Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits discrimination based on hair or hairstyles in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Expands the definition of the term “race,” for the purposes of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, to include traits historically associated with the individual's race, which include hair texture and protective hairstyles (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the term “protective hairstyles” includes, but is not limited to, locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions (Sec. 1).

• Expands the definition of the term “religious creed,” for the purposes of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, to include head coverings and hairstyles historically associated with religious creeds (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this Act does not prohibit employers from adopting and enforcing workplace policies for health and safety, or another justified occupational qualification, so long as each of the following conditions are met (Sec. 1):

• Without the adoption of the policy the health or safety of an employee may be impaired;

• The policy is adopted for nondiscriminatory reasons;

• The policy is specifically tailored to the applicable position and activity; and

• The policy is applied equally to individuals whose positions fall under the applicable position and activity.

• Specifies that this Act takes effect 60 days after passage (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits discrimination based on hair or hairstyles in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Expands the definition of the term “race,” for the purposes of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, to include traits historically associated with the individual's race, which include hair texture and protective hairstyles (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the term “protective hairstyles” includes, but is not limited to, locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions (Sec. 1).

• Expands the definition of the term “religious creed,” for the purposes of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, to include head coverings and hairstyles historically associated with religious creeds (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this Act does not prohibit employers from adopting and enforcing workplace policies for health and safety, or another justified occupational qualification, so long as each of the following conditions are met (Sec. 1):

• Without the adoption of the policy the health or safety of an employee may be impaired;

• The policy is adopted for nondiscriminatory reasons;

• The policy is specifically tailored to the applicable position and activity; and

• The policy is applied equally to individuals whose positions fall under the applicable position and activity.

• Specifies that this Act takes effect 60 days after passage (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text