The proposed bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to enhance protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It introduces new protections based on "actual or perceived" characteristics, including race, color, familial status, religious creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, and handicap or disability. The bill prohibits discriminatory practices such as refusing to hire or contract with individuals based on these characteristics and mandates reasonable accommodations in housing to ensure equal opportunity. It also clarifies the definitions of discrimination and expands the definition of an employer to include religious and charitable organizations with four or more employees.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the rights of religious entities to practice their faith without infringing on anti-discrimination laws and empowers the Commission to create advisory agencies to address discrimination issues. It highlights the importance of educational programs to promote cultural understanding and ensure fair treatment for all individuals. The bill allows employers to enforce reasonable dress or grooming standards, provided they respect employees' gender identity or expression. The act will take effect 30 days after its passage, ensuring that existing municipal ordinances providing additional protections remain intact unless they conflict with this act.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 874 (Jun 03, 2025): P.L.744, No.222, P.L.604, No.304