San Francisco Implements Stricter Fair Chance Ordinance Amendments
San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO) amendments will take effect on August 10, 2026, imposing stricter regulations on how employers can use criminal history in hiring decisions. The amendments prohibit consideration of certain criminal records, including those related to abortion care, gender-affirming care, and drag performances. Employers must adhere to new timelines for adverse action processes and face increased penalties for non-compliance. The FCO, initially enacted in 2014, applies to employers with five or more employees in San Francisco, requiring them to disregard specific criminal records and follow detailed procedures before taking adverse employment actions.