Employers would be required to have written policies and procedures for preventing harassment, discrimination and retaliation against employees under new legislation passed by the Pennsylvania House on May 2. HB 2104, sponsored by Representative Maureen Madden (D-Monroe) now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

While the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act protects Pennsylvania workers from discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, the Commonwealth still has the 5^th highest rate of workplace discrimination in the country in 2022, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Workers can make a complaint about an employer not providing written policies and procedures with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.  If after investigation, the commission determines that an employer is in violation, the commission may seek compliance and issue a citation and fine of between $500 and $5,000.

In addition to requiring the written policies, the bill would create the Human Relations Training Fund to ensure financial penalties collected under the act are used by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission for training, education and outreach.

Read more about House Bill 2104.