The bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to enhance protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations by introducing new categories of protected characteristics, specifically sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. It prohibits discrimination based on these factors alongside existing categories such as race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, and national origin. The bill emphasizes the need for an inclusive environment that fosters economic growth and asserts that public policies should ensure equal opportunity for all individuals. It also clarifies definitions related to discrimination and outlines unlawful practices, including prohibiting employers and agencies from inquiring about or recording information regarding these protected characteristics prior to employment offers.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect individuals from discrimination in housing and commercial property transactions, ensuring equal access to housing opportunities. It mandates reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and prohibits landlords from refusing reasonable modifications. The bill also introduces a new section protecting religious exercise, expands the powers of the Commission overseeing these regulations, and establishes that the procedures outlined in the act are exclusive for addressing grievances. Importantly, it allows employers to enforce reasonable dress or grooming standards that align with employees' gender identity or expression, and it is set to take effect 30 days after passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1797 (Jun 02, 2025): P.L.744, No.222, P.L.6, No.2