Bill > HB1571

This bill modifies the composition of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), changing how its eleven Commissioners are appointed. Previously, all Commissioners were appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, whereas now the appointments will be more distributed among legislative leaders and state officials. Specifically, two Commissioners will be appointed each by the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, two by the Majority and Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives, one by the Attorney General, one by the Auditor General, and one by the Governor. The bill maintains the existing restriction that no more than six Commissioners can be from the same political party, and each Commissioner will continue to serve a five-year term. The bill also retains provisions about forfeiting seats for members who miss three consecutive months of meetings without appropriate justification, such as personal or family illness. The changes aim to create a more balanced and representative appointment process for the Commission, which is responsible for addressing discrimination issues in Pennsylvania. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1571