How HB 2871 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include additional protected characteristics against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

• Section 2

  by reason of their race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age or national origin → by reason of their race, color, familial status, marital status, family caregiver status, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, handicap or disability

  The list of protected characteristics against discrimination is broadened.

• Section 2

  and to safeguard their right to obtain and hold employment without such discrimination, → and to safeguard their right to obtain and hold employment without such discrimination, to assure equal opportunities to all individuals and to safeguard their rights to public accommodation and to secure housing accommodation and commercial property regardless of

  The bill reinforces the assurance of equal opportunities and protections for obtaining housing and commercial property.

• Section 3

  because of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin → because of race, color, familial status, marital status, family caregiver status, religious creed, ancestry, handicap or disability, age, sex, national origin

  The enumerated civil rights to obtain employment and accommodations are expanded to include familial and marital status.

• Section 4

  (bb) The term "family caregiver status" means a person who provides medical or supervisory care to a person related to the caregiver by blood, legal custody or marriage.

  The definition of 'family caregiver status' is added to the act, recognizing caregivers as a protected category.

• Section 4

  (cc) The term "marital status" means whether a person is single, married, divorced, separated or widowed.

  The definition of 'marital status' is added to clarify this as a protected characteristic.

• Section 5

  because of the race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin or non-job related handicap or disability → because of the race, color, religious creed, ancestry, familial status, marital status, family caregiver status, age, sex, national origin or non-job related handicap or disability

  Discriminatory practices on additional bases, such as familial and marital status, are prohibited.