Bill > HB630

This bill strengthens Pennsylvania's Equal Pay Law by expanding protections against wage discrimination and establishing new requirements for employers. The bill broadens the definition of "comparable work" to include jobs with similar skill levels, effort, and responsibility, and expands wage discrimination protections to include race and ethnicity in addition to sex. It introduces new provisions that prohibit employers from asking job applicants about their wage history, requiring wage transparency in job postings, and protecting employees' rights to discuss wages without fear of retaliation. The bill also increases penalties for violations, with administrative fines ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 per offense, and establishes an Equal Pay Enforcement Fund to support the law's implementation. Key changes include protecting employees who discuss wages, preventing employers from using prior wage history to determine compensation, and creating more robust mechanisms for employees to challenge wage discrimination. The law will take effect one year after passage, giving employers time to adjust to the new requirements. The bill aims to address pay inequities by providing clearer definitions, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and more comprehensive protections for workers across various employment sectors.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=630