Legislation We Are Following:​

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As a civil rights organization operating in Pennsylvania, it's crucial to stay informed about legislation that impacts the rights and liberties of the communities we serve. Here are key bills and legislative initiatives from the 2025–2026 session that warrant close attention:
 

LGBTQ+ Protections

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• HB 300 & SB 150 – The Fairness Act
  These bills aim to amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Currently, only a few counties have such protections, leaving many LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians vulnerable to discrimination. (The Fairness Act - Pennsylvania Senate Democrats)

Criminal Justice Reform

• SB 92 – Mandatory Minimums for Drug Delivery (Tyler’s Law)
  This bill proposes reinstating mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug offenses, a move that could contribute to mass incarceration and disproportionately affect communities of color. (2025-2026 Tracked Bills - PA JUSTICE ALLIANCE)

• SB 490 – Prohibiting Non-Monetary Bail for Certain Charges
  This legislation seeks to limit the use of non-monetary bail options, potentially leading to increased pretrial detention rates among low-income individuals. (2025-2026 Tracked Bills - PA JUSTICE ALLIANCE)

• SB 347 – Criminalizing Overdose Prevention Sites
  This bill aims to criminalize the operation of overdose prevention sites, hindering efforts to address the opioid crisis through harm reduction strategies. (2025-2026 Tracked Bills - PA JUSTICE ALLIANCE)

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Voting Rights

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• SB 4001 – Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act)
  This bill would require proof of citizenship for voter registration, a measure that could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly among marginalized communities. While proponents argue it's necessary for election integrity, critics highlight the lack of evidence for widespread non-citizen voting and the potential for voter suppression.

Access to Justice

• HB 464 – Constitutional Amendment on Sovereign Immunity
  This joint resolution proposes amending the state constitution to allow individuals to sue the Commonwealth in certain cases, potentially expanding access to justice for those harmed by state actions. (Bill Information - House Bill 464; Regular Session 2025-2026 - PA ...)

Employment Rights

• SB 29 – Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Unemployment Status
  This bill seeks to make it illegal for employers to discriminate against job applicants based on their unemployment status, addressing biases that can hinder individuals from re-entering the workforce. (Bill Text: PA SB29 | 2025-2026 | Regular Session | Introduced)

Hate Crime Legislation

• Anti-Hate Crime Bills
  In response to a rise in hate crimes, the Pennsylvania House passed a package of bills aimed at strengthening hate crime laws, including expanding protected classes and enhancing reporting and training requirements. These measures are now under consideration in the Senate. (Bills to combat hate crimes gain Pennsylvania House approval)

 

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