Bill > HB135

This bill aims to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyles associated with race, color, or national origin across several areas of Georgia law, including housing, education, employment, and public employment practices. The bill defines "protective hairstyles" as including braids, locs, twists, and other textured hairstyles, and expands the legal definition of "race" to include traits like hair texture and protective hairstyles. In the education sector, the bill prevents educational institutions receiving state financial assistance from discriminating against individuals based on their race due to a protective hairstyle. In employment, the bill prohibits employers from refusing to hire, firing, or discriminating against individuals because of their protective hairstyle, unless the hairstyle directly impedes job performance. The legislation also provides aggrieved individuals with the right to file civil actions within one year of an alleged violation, with potential remedies including reinstatement, back pay, court costs, and attorneys' fees. This bill represents a significant step in protecting individuals from discrimination based on natural hairstyles that are culturally associated with specific racial or ethnic groups, addressing a form of systemic bias that has historically impacted people of color in professional and educational settings.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69534