Update Applicable to:	Effective Date
All Employers in Chester County, Pennsylvania Who Have 4 or More Employees	December 23, 2025

What happened?

On September 24, 2025, the Chester County Board of Commissioners passed Ordinance No. ORD-2025-03, establishing the Chester County Human Relations Commission (CCHRC) and enacting broad nondiscrimination protections across employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Overview:

Starting December 23, 2025, Chester County employers must comply with new local rules that prohibit discrimination based on expanded protected classes, restrict hiring practices, and establish a local enforcement body with authority to investigate and penalize violations.

Highlights for Employers

Employment Discrimination Protections (SECTION 301.1): Employers are prohibited from engaging in discriminatory practices, including:

• Hiring & Employment Decisions
  • Refusing to hire, employ, or contract with individuals based on protected class status.
  • Discriminating in compensation, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

• Recruitment & Applications
  • Employment agencies and labor organizations may not limit recruitment to avoid compliance.
  • Employers may not ask about protected class status or disabilities on applications.
  • Disability inquiries are only allowed post-offer and must relate to job function.

• Disability Protections
  • No inquiries about criminal convictions or salary history on applications.
  • No denial of employment due to past, current, or perceived future disabilities.

• Criminal History & Salary History
  • No inquiries about criminal convictions or salary history on applications.
  • Criminal history may only be discussed after an initial interview and if legally required.
  • Written notice is required if employment is denied due to criminal history.

• Retaliation & Compliance
  • Retaliation against complainants or participants in investigations is prohibited.
  • Employers may not obstruct others from complying with the ordinance.

• Advertising: Job postings must not express preferences or limitations based on protected class status.

• Labor Organizations: Must provide equal membership rights and access to employment-related benefits.

• Exemptions
  • Employers are not required to hire unqualified individuals.
  • Institutions serving persons with disabilities may prioritize disabled applicants.

Complaint Procedures (SECTION 701):

• Filing Complaints
  • Employees may file complaints within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act.
  • Complaints can be submitted online or in person.

• Investigation & Hearings
  • The CCHRC investigates complaints, may issue subpoenas, and attempts conciliation.
  • If conciliation fails, a public hearing is held.
  • Employers may be required to testify and provide documentation.

• Remedies: If discrimination is found, the Commission may issue:
  • Cease-and-desist orders
  • Restitution
  • Civil fines up to $500

Unlawful Retaliation (SECTION 801): Employers may not retaliate against employees for:

• Filing a complaint
• Participating in investigations or hearings
• Exercising rights under the ordinance

Appeals and Remedies (SECTION 1001): Employers may appeal Commission decisions to the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.

• The ordinance does not limit other legal remedies available to employees.

Source References

• County of Chester – Ordinance No. ORD-2025-03

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