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The Pennsylvania House passed HB 1825 to strengthen workplace protections against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The bill now heads to the Senate. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Workplace discrimination bill passes Pa. House
Listen to this articleThe Pennsylvania State House has passed a bill aimed at protecting more workers from discrimination, harassment and retaliation in the workplace.
House Bill 1825, introduced by state Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, is aimed at strengthening the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 110-93 and heads to the Senate for consideration.
According to Madden, in 2024, more than 3,400 discrimination complaints were filed in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission said employment-related cases account for the majority of these filings.
“At the national level, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received over 88,000 charges,” Madden said. “And we know these figures represent only a fraction of the problem, because most incidents of discrimination go unreported.”
Under this legislation, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission would develop model policies and procedures that employers can use to comply with the law. These resources would be posted publicly and updated as federal and state laws evolve.
“All places of employment in the commonwealth must be free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation,” Madden said. “HB 1825 is a practical, proactive step toward that goal. It strengthens our existing protections, equips employers with the tools they need, and empowers employees to work in safe and fair environments.”
