The bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to expand the definitions related to race and protective hairstyles. Specifically, it introduces a new definition of "race" that includes traits historically associated with an individual's race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. The bill stipulates that employers can adopt workplace health and safety rules or policies that may impact these traits, provided they can demonstrate that such rules are necessary for health or safety, are nondiscriminatory, tailored to specific positions, and applied equally to all affected individuals. Additionally, it allows for the enforcement of workplace policies aimed at preventing a hostile work environment, as long as these policies are also nondiscriminatory and applied equally.

Furthermore, the bill defines "protective hairstyle" to encompass various styles, including locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions. This legislative change aims to enhance protections against discrimination based on race and associated traits in the workplace, ensuring that individuals are not penalized for their natural hair or hairstyles linked to their racial identity. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 397 (Jan 30, 2025): P.L.744, No.222
Printer's No. 508 (Feb 05, 2025): P.L.744, No.222
Printer's No. 996 (Mar 17, 2025): P.L.744, No.222
Printer's No. 0397: P.L.744, No.222
Printer's No. 0508: P.L.744, No.222
Printer's No. 0996: P.L.744, No.222