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SB 1267

An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for procedure.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Cappelletti and 5 co-sponsors

SB 1267 aims to refine and streamline procedures for handling discrimination complaints under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, affecting filing, investigations, and remedies.

Referred to Urban Affairs & Housing
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Bill Summary · SB 1267

Summary of Bill: SB 1267 (Pennsylvania) – 2025-2026 Session

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Title: An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for procedure.
  • Current Status (as of 2026-04-17): Referred to the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs & Housing.
  • Sponsors: Vincent Hughes (co-sponsor), Amanda Cappelletti, John Kane, Art Haywood, Jay Costa, Tina Tartaglione (all co-sponsors).

Purpose and Intent

SB 1267 proposes amendments to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to modify procedural aspects of how discrimination complaints are processed and resolved. While the exact text is not provided here, the language “further providing for procedure” typically signals changes to complaint filing, investigation timelines, agency actions, enforcement options, or due process protections for complainants and respondents. The goal is to refine and possibly streamline the process to address discrimination based on protected characteristics in various areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Key Provisions (Proposed Area of Change)

Note: The precise provisions would be detailed in the bill text. Based on the act’s framework and the title, expected areas include:
- Filing and Intake Procedures: Possible modifications to how complaints are initiated, required information, and initial screening.
- Investigation Timeline: Potential changes to timeframes for agencies to investigate or issue findings.
- Mediation and Conciliation: Enhanced or clarified requirements for alternative dispute resolution between parties.
- Notice and Due Process: Requirements for notice to employers, licensees, housing providers, or other respondents; possible due process protections.
- Determination and Remedies: Clarification on how determinations are issued, and what remedies or enforcement mechanisms accompany findings of discrimination.
- Confidentiality and Appeals: Provisions governing confidentiality of complaints and the appeals process for parties aggrieved by agency decisions.
- Administrative Penalties or Remedies: Possible adjustments to penalties, civil rights remedies, or allowed court actions.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals Claiming Discrimination: Employees, tenants, consumers, or participants in programs who file complaints under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
  • Employers, Landlords, and Service Providers: Respondents to discrimination complaints who must comply with procedures, investigations, and remedies.
  • State and Local Agencies: Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or any agency responsible for enforcing the act, governing procedures, timelines, and enforcement options.
  • Legal Practitioners and Advocates: Attorneys and advocacy organizations assisting complainants or respondents may experience procedural changes in filing, mediation, or appeals.

Procedural and Timeline Implications

  • Implementation Timeline: As a bill amending procedures, it may establish effective dates for new rules and any transitional provisions for ongoing complaints.
  • Administrative Burden: Depending on the changes, there could be shifts in workload for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, including docketing, investigations, and resolution timelines.
  • Remedies and Enforcement: If the bill alters remedies or enforcement mechanisms, it could affect how quickly or effectively discrimination claims are remedied.
  • Appeals and Oversight: Changes could adjust appeal processes or introduce new oversight measures for contested determinations.

Notes for Readers

  • The bill was referred to the Urban Affairs & Housing committee, indicating emphasis on housing-related discrimination and urban policy considerations, though it likely touches multiple protected classes and areas covered by the act.
  • The exact provisions, including text, definitions, and specific procedural changes, would be found in the bill’s full language and summary released by the Pennsylvania Legislature.

If you’d like, I can pull the bill text or a more detailed committee summary to extract exact procedural changes, timelines, and affected sections.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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