This bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to enhance the procedures for handling discrimination complaints. Key changes include a stipulation that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission must complete its investigation within 180 days of receiving a complaint, after which it can make a determination if the investigation is not completed. The bill also modifies the timeline for notifying respondents of complaints, reducing it from thirty to twenty days, and introduces provisions for mediation and the possibility of reimbursement for defendants if a claim is found to be unfounded. Additionally, it specifies that only disparate treatment claims can be brought under this act and clarifies that discrimination can be established if it is shown to be a motivating factor in employment practices.

Furthermore, the bill repeals existing provisions that allowed for the establishment of local human relations commissions, thereby prohibiting their creation and ensuring that all complaints are handled exclusively by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. It also includes new language that allows employers to enforce reasonable dress or grooming standards during work hours. The amendments are set to take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, applying to complaints filed on or after that date.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 195 (Jan 22, 2025): P.L.744, No.222
Printer's No. 0195: P.L.744, No.222