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Bill > HB300
PA HB300
PA HB300Further providing for the title of the act, for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices; providing for protection of religious exercise; and further providing for powers and duties of the commission and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.
summary
Introduced
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
In Committee
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), entitled "An act prohibiting certain practices of discrimination because of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age or national origin by employers, employment agencies, labor organizations and others as herein defined; creating the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in the Governor's Office; defining its functions, powers and duties; providing for procedure and enforcement; providing for formulation of an educational program to prevent prejudice; providing for judicial review and enforcement and imposing penalties," further providing for the title of the act, for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices; providing for protection of religious exercise; and further providing for powers and duties of the commission and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to expand protections against discrimination by explicitly adding sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as protected categories across various contexts such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill defines "sexual orientation" as an individual's physical, romantic, or emotional attraction to individuals of the same or different gender, and "gender identity or expression" as an individual's gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or characteristics, regardless of their designated or perceived sex. Key provisions include prohibiting discrimination in hiring, employment practices, housing, lending, and public accommodations based on these newly protected characteristics. The bill also adds a section protecting religious exercise, ensuring that religious entities are not required to engage in conduct that substantially burdens their free exercise of religion. Additionally, the bill requires employers to permit employees to adhere to dress and grooming standards consistent with their gender identity or expression, and mandates that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission track and report on complaints and cases involving these new protected categories. The changes aim to foster an inclusive environment and prevent discrimination, with the law taking effect 30 days after its passage.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (51)
Malcolm Kenyatta (D)*,
Jessica Benham (D),
Lisa Borowski (D),
Heather Boyd (D),
Tim Brennan (D),
Tim Briggs (D),
Danilo Burgos (D),
Andre Carroll (D),
Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D),
Missy Cerrato (D),
Joe Ciresi (D),
Tina Davis (D),
Elizabeth Fiedler (D),
Justin Fleming (D),
Dan Frankel (D),
Bob Freeman (D),
Nancy Guenst (D),
Liz Hanbidge (D),
Carol Hill-Evans (D),
Joe Hohenstein (D),
Kristine Howard (D),
John Inglis (D),
Mary Isaacson (D),
Tarik Khan (D),
Emily Kinkead (D),
Rick Krajewski (D),
Steve Malagari (D),
La'Tasha Mayes (D),
Jeanne McNeill (D),
Jenn O'Mara (D),
Danielle Otten (D),
Chris Pielli (D),
Lindsay Powell (D),
Tarah Probst (D),
Chris Rabb (D),
Nikki Rivera (D),
Abigail Salisbury (D),
Steve Samuelson (D),
Ben Sanchez (D),
Mike Schlossberg (D),
Pete Schweyer (D),
Gregory Scott (D),
Melissa Shusterman (D),
Josh Siegel (D),
Izzy Smith-Wade-El (D),
Mandy Steele (D),
Paul Takac (D),
Arvind Venkat (D),
Perry Warren (D),
Ben Waxman (D),
Joseph Webster (D),
Last Action
Judiciary (h) Hearing (10:00:00 3/10/2026 Room 140 Main Capitol) (on 03/10/2026)
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