Overview
- The law takes effect on Jan. 24, 2026 and applies to employers, labor organizations and employment agencies covered by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
- It amends the statute to treat hair texture and protective hairstyles as traits included in the definition of race, citing styles such as braids, locs, twists, Bantu knots, coils, afros and extensions.
- The amendment also clarifies that religious creed includes historically associated head coverings and hairstyles.
- Policies that restrict protected hairstyles or head coverings are permitted only under narrow, demonstrable criteria tied to health or safety, nondiscriminatory purpose, specific tailoring to the role and equal application.
- Pennsylvania becomes the 28th state with CROWN-style protections, enforcement will run through the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill at a West Philadelphia natural hair salon after years of advocacy by Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes and Speaker Joanna McClinton.