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SB 150

An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for title of the act, for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices; providing for protection of religious exercise; and further providing for powers and duties of the commission, for educational program and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Boscola and 19 co-sponsors

SB 150 expands Pennsylvania's 1955 anti-discrimination law to modernize protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations while adding religious exercise safeguards and strengthening enforcement mechanisms.

Referred to Labor & Industry
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 150

Legislative bill overview

SB 150 amends Pennsylvania's 1955 Human Relations Act to expand and modernize anti-discrimination protections across employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill adds new definitions, clarifies unlawful practices, includes religious exercise protections, and strengthens the enforcement powers of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Why is this important

This legislation updates a 70-year-old civil rights law to address discrimination issues not contemplated in 1955 and potentially expands protected classes or grounds for discrimination claims. Given that the Human Relations Act is the primary state-level mechanism for addressing workplace and housing discrimination, changes here directly affect thousands of Pennsylvanians' legal remedies and employers' compliance obligations.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious exercise protections: The addition of religious exercise safeguards may create tension with other anti-discrimination protections (e.g., LGBTQ+ rights), raising questions about when religious beliefs can justify differential treatment
  • Scope of protected classes: The bill's specific expansions are unclear from the title alone, but amendments to definitions and unlawful practices likely add or broaden protected categories, which business groups may argue increases compliance costs
  • Commission enforcement powers: Strengthening investigative and remedial authorities could accelerate discrimination claims but may also concern those who view expanded enforcement as government overreach

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

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