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Bill > SB150
PA SB150
PA SB150Further providing for 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, for educational program and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.
summary
Introduced
06/03/2025
06/03/2025
In Committee
06/03/2025
06/03/2025
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 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, for educational program and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to expand protections against discrimination by adding "gender identity or expression" and clarifying "sexual orientation" to existing anti-discrimination statutes. The bill updates definitions to explicitly include protections for LGBTQ+ individuals across various domains including employment, housing, public accommodations, and real estate transactions. It adds specific definitions for "sexual orientation" as 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 designated or perceived sex. The bill also includes a provision protecting religious exercise, ensuring that religious entities can maintain their faith-based principles while preventing discrimination. Additionally, the bill requires the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to track and report on discrimination complaints, recommend educational programs to promote cultural understanding, and provides mechanisms for individuals to seek remedy for discriminatory practices. The changes aim to foster an inclusive environment that protects individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other characteristics, while balancing religious freedoms and organizational autonomy.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (19)
Steve Santarsiero (D)*,
Lisa Boscola (D),
Amanda Cappelletti (D),
Maria Collett (D),
Carolyn Comitta (D),
Jay Costa (D),
Marty Flynn (D),
Wayne Fontana (D),
Art Haywood (D),
Vincent Hughes (D),
John Kane (D),
Tim Kearney (D),
James Malone (D),
Katie Muth (D),
Nikil Saval (D),
Judy Schwank (D),
Sharif Street (D),
Tina Tartaglione (D),
Lindsey Williams (D),
Last Action
Referred to Labor & Industry (on 06/03/2025)
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