The new policy removes the criminal conviction question during the application process. Applicants could be asked about their histories later in the hiring process.
Wolf said the policy will allow applicants to be judged on their skills and qualifications and not solely on their criminal record.
The new policy will be effective July 1 for non-civil service applicants. The Wolf administration anticipates it will be applied to civil service applicants by December.
Exceptions include jobs that involve the security of people or property and positions where a criminal conviction makes an applicant ineligible.