PRINTER'S NO. 3976

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

No.

2625

Session of

2020

INTRODUCED BY THOMAS, TOMLINSON, STEPHENS, POLINCHOCK, BROWN,

KAUFER, TOOHIL AND QUINN, JUNE 23, 2020

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, JUNE 23, 2020

services; and, in fraud and abuse control, further providing

for freedom of choice and nondiscrimination.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. The act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known

as the Human Services Code, is amended by adding a section to

read:

Section 217. Nondiscrimination.--(a) (1) The department,

any provider of services under arrangement with the department

and all entities, organizations, corporations, institutions or

authorized under this act and all entities, organizations and

corporations subject to licensing approval or supervision by the

department, including, but not limited to:

(i) Programs and services offered by State institutions, as

authorized by Article III.

(ii) Programs and services for recipients of public

assistance, as authorized by Article IV.

(iii) Programs and services for children and youth, as

authorized by Article VII.

(iv) Programs and services offered through the Human

Services Block Grant Program, as authorized by Article XIV-B.

care.

(ix) Programs and services relating to personal care homes.

(x) Programs and services administered through the

department by a county assistance office.

(3) A violation of this subsection shall be unlawful and a

violation of humane conditions standards applicable to State and

supervised institutions, and all institutions under State

supervision by the department, under Article IX.

(b) An entity, organization, corporation, institution or

facility that provides services under arrangement with the

race, color, familial status, religion, ancestry, age, sex,

sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national

origin, handicap or disability or use of an assistance animal.

Section 2. Sections 701 and 1405 of the act are amended to

read:

Section 701. Availability of Services.--The department shall

assure within the Commonwealth the availability and equitable

provision of adequate public child welfare services for all

children who need them regardless of religion, race, color,

familial status, religion, ancestry, age, sex, sexual

orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin,

department, such providers shall not refuse to render services

to any recipient on the basis of sex, race, [creed, color,

national origin or handicap.] color, familial status, religion,

ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or

expression, national origin, handicap or disability or use of an

assistance animal .