Prohibits Hairstyle Discrimination
Effective January 26, 2026, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) is amended to prohibit discrimination based on traits and hairstyles associated with an individual's race or religion. Specifically, new definitions under the PHRA provide that:
- Race includes traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles; and
- Religious creed includes head coverings and hairstyles historically associated with religious creeds.
If an employer's rule or policy impacts a trait or head covering associated with race or religion, the employer must demonstrate that it is needed for health or safety, adopted for nondiscriminatory reasons, specifically tailored to the applicable position and activity, and applied equally.
Amends Unemployment Insurance Eligibility Requirements
Beginning February 20, 2026, the unemployment insurance law is amended to provide benefit eligibility for Pennsylvania employees who voluntarily leave work due to a domestic violence situation.
The amendment also requires unemployment claimants to make good faith efforts to obtain employment and prohibits actions that unreasonably discourage their own hire.