Bill > HB245

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to modify procedures for handling discrimination complaints, reimbursement for legal fees, and local human relations commissions. The bill reduces the time for respondents to file answers from 30 to 20 days, allows the Commission to encourage voluntary settlements through mediation, and clarifies that only disparate treatment claims may be brought under the act. It introduces a provision for defendants to seek reimbursement of attorney fees if a claim is found to be unfounded. The bill also allows employers to enforce reasonable dress and grooming standards during work hours. Importantly, the legislation repeals existing provisions related to local human relations commissions and explicitly prohibits political subdivisions from establishing such commissions with powers similar to the state Commission. Under the new provisions, local commissions are barred from hearing cases that would be handled by the state Commission, and any existing local commissions must comply with state Commission policies and procedures. The changes are designed to streamline discrimination complaint processes, provide more clarity on legal standards, and centralize human relations enforcement at the state level.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=245