To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: For years, Philadelphia has maintained ordinances substantially restricting employers’ use of criminal record and credit histories in employment screening. 1 These regulations are in addition to, not in lieu of, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restrictions applicable nationwide and Pennsylvania’s state-wide Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA). The FCRA governs the process for ordering background reports, including criminal background reports, from background check companies (known as “consumer reporting agencies”). The CHRIA restricts the use of criminal records whether or not they are included in a criminal background report.