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SB 1152

An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Cappelletti and 12 co-sponsors

SB 1152 would strengthen fair housing protections by prohibiting housing discrimination based on lawful income sources and updating definitions of unlawful practices in real estate

Referred to Urban Affairs & Housing
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1152

Overview

Senate Bill 1152 (2025-2026 Regular Session) from Pennsylvania would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to clarify definitions, expand or adjust unlawful discriminatory practices, and modify prohibitions related to real estate practices. The bill is currently titled to address housing discrimination, including ending discrimination based on lawful source of income. It was referred to the Urban Affairs & Housing Committee on January 28, 2026. Principal sponsor: Sen. Katie Muth, with a broad group of co-sponsors.

Purpose and intent

  • To strengthen protections against housing discrimination under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
  • Specifically highlighted in the memo as aiming to end housing discrimination based on an individual's lawful source of income.
  • Seeks to update definitions and the range of unlawful discriminatory practices to reflect contemporary housing market concerns and equity goals.

Key provisions (as described in available materials)

  • Amendments to definitions within the PHRA to align with current fair housing standards.
  • Revisions to unlawful discriminatory practices, potentially expanding or clarifying what constitutes discrimination in housing and related areas.
  • Prohibitions related to real estate practices, including the ways housing is marketed, rented, sold, or otherwise made available, and the actors involved (landlords, property managers, real estate brokers, lenders, etc.).
  • A targeted provision addressing unlawful discrimination based on lawful source of income, indicating that tenants should not be denied housing because they use lawful sources of income (e.g., housing vouchers, government benefits, or other legal income streams).

Note: The exact statutory language and scope of each provision are not provided in the summary materials available here, but the memo highlights “End Housing Discrimination Based on Lawful Source of Income” as a central theme.

What would be affected

  • Individuals seeking housing (renters and homebuyers) in Pennsylvania would gain strengthened protections against discrimination.
  • Landlords, property managers, real estate brokers, lenders, and housing providers would be subject to potentially expanded duties and restrictions to avoid discriminatory practices.
  • State and local enforcement and civil rights oversight under the PHRA would apply to incidents of housing discrimination, including those based on lawful source of income.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee on January 28, 2026.
  • As a committee-referred bill, it would progress through committee hearings, potential amendments, and eventually floor votes in the Senate, and then move to the House for consideration, if advanced.
  • No committee votes or floor actions are listed in the current material.

Practical impact considerations

  • If enacted, the bill would align Pennsylvania housing law with broader fair housing norms that prohibit excluding tenants or buyers based on lawful income sources used to support housing payments.
  • Could lead to increased enforcement actions, education for housing providers, and potential adjustments to lease language, screening criteria, and advertising practices.
  • The changes may influence landlords’ risk assessments and tenant screening processes, particularly for applicants relying on subsidized or non-traditional income sources.

Summary

SB 1152 aims to strengthen the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act by refining definitions, expanding unlawful discriminatory practices related to housing, and explicitly prohibiting discrimination in real estate practices based on lawful source of income. The bill seeks to promote fair housing access and reduce discriminatory barriers in rental and sale markets. It is currently pending referral to the Urban Affairs & Housing committee, with potential subsequent steps pending committee and chamber actions.

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

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