Montgomery County establishes Human Relations Commission under state law

Montgomery County commissioners voted Sept. 4 to establish a county Human Relations Commission, a locally based body empowered under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to investigate and pursue civil‑rights matters locally.

Ben Field, the county solicitor, presented the resolution and told commissioners the 1955 statute — amended in 1966 to allow local commissions — permits counties to create commissions with powers similar to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Field said the county commission will be independent and nonpartisan and that county staff will spend the next 180 days recruiting members, drafting bylaws and ensuring procedures align with state law.

“It's hereby declared to be the public policy of this county to foster the employment, housing, public accommodation of all individuals in accordance with their fullest capacities regardless of their race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, national origin, handicap or disability,” Field read from the proposed resolution.

Commissioners discussed membership size (the resolution set a range of five to seven members), appealability and enforcement mechanisms; the solicitor explained local determinations can be enforced through the courts when necessary. Commissioner Winder moved the resolution and Commissioner DeBello seconded. The motion passed 2–1. Public commenters earlier urged county action, and commissioners said they intend outreach to ensure residents understand how and when to use the new local process.

County staff will open an application window for commission membership and draft bylaws and complaint procedures in the coming months. The board indicated it will appoint initial members following the application process.