House adopts Crown Act to ban discrimination based on natural hair

Harrisburg, March 17 — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Tuesday passed House Bill 439, commonly referred to as the Crown Act, to prohibit discrimination based on hair type, texture or hairstyle. The bill passed by a vote of 194 yeas to 8 nays.

Representative Mays, the bill’s sponsor from Allegheny County, described the measure as “creating a respectful and open world for natural hair” and framed it as protection for children and adults who face race-based hair discrimination in schools, workplaces and public settings. Mays spoke about personal and family experience and said the bill brings fairness and cultural expression protections into Pennsylvania law.

Representative Bernstein, speaking in support, said the bill addresses “significant issues” and urged colleagues to pass it. The House approved a technical amendment earlier in the day to align protected classes in the bill’s language; the amendment passed on a voice and recorded vote before final passage.

Clerk records show final passage by a vote of 194 yeas and 8 nays. The clerk will present the bill to the Senate for concurrence.

The bill amends provisions in state anti-discrimination law to add hair type, texture and specific hairstyles as protected characteristics. Sponsors said the change aims to reduce race-based exclusion and to ensure that natural hair styles are not grounds for denial of education, employment or public accommodations.

With the House vote complete, HB439 moves to the Senate for consideration.