The Chester County Board of Commissioners has enacted Ordinance No. ORD-2025-03, establishing the Chester County Human Relations Commission (CCHRC) and implementing comprehensive nondiscrimination provisions for employment, housing, and public accommodations. These provisions will take effect on December 23, 2025.
The ordinance expands protections beyond those provided under state law to include gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital and family status, source of income, veteran status, and victims of domestic or sexual violence.
The CCHRC will be composed of seven to thirteen volunteer members appointed for staggered three-year terms. In addition to handling complaints, the Commission has authority to conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, and hold hearings when conciliation efforts are unsuccessful. Available remedies include cease-and-desist orders, restitution, and civil fines of up to $500, with decisions subject to appeal before the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act, and the ordinance expressly prohibits retaliation against complainants or witnesses.
Operating under Section 12.1 of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the ordinance creates concurrent jurisdiction with the state commission, offering a local forum for faster resolution of discrimination complaints while coordinating with state authorities when necessary.