HB 2357
An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to broaden protections against housing and real estate discrimination. Specifically, it adds ‘source of income’ (including public assistance) to the list of protected characteristics, expands the definition of unlawful discriminatory practices to include denial of financing and certain real estate practices, and prohibits using neighborhood demographics to discourage or encourage housing transactions. The bill also addresses misrepresentation of neighborhood characteristics to influence housing decisions.
Key provisions
- Added ‘source of income’ as a protected characteristic in housing and real estate transactions.
- Expanded definition of unlawful discriminatory practices to include denial of financing and certain real estate practices.
- Prohibited using neighborhood demographics to discourage or encourage housing transactions.
- Added a prohibition against misrepresenting neighborhood characteristics to influence housing decisions.
- Clarified the definition of ‘source of income’ to include various forms of public assistance.
Who is affected
- Homeowners
- Renters
- Real estate agents
- Lenders
- Housing developers
Notable changes
- Expands the list of protected characteristics to include ‘source of income’.
- Addresses real estate practices beyond simply selling or leasing.
- Specifically prohibits using neighborhood demographics to influence housing decisions.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Ismail Smith-Wade-El
Cosponsors
Benjamin Sanchez
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