The Criminal History Record Information Act forbids criminal convictions from being considered as part of the employment hiring decision process. In Pennsylvania, an employer may only consider an applicant's criminal history as it relates to misdemeanors and felony convictions.If you believe an employer violated this law, you can file a complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. If an employer decides not to hire someone based on his or her criminal record, the employer must so inform the applicant in writing (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. An employer in Pennsylvania can't discriminate against an individual based upon their criminal history after receiving an application. If a job applicant has a criminal history, your agency must request approval to hire the employee prior to the final selection. There are many state and local laws that protect you from discrimination in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Know your rights as a job applicant. Regarding criminal record discrimination, employers may not discriminate against job applicants with similar criminal records based on protected classes. Learn what is legal in the hiring process in Pennsylvania.