Key New PA Legal Developments for 2026
As we begin a new year, we thought we’d take a quick look at some key Pennsylvania employment law developments that have occurred in late 2025 and early 2026. These include proposed mandatory anti-harassment policies (HB 1825), a $28.5M "no-poach" lawsuit settlement (we wrote about this here), and stricter third-party harassment liability standards. Additionally, new 2026 Philadelphia paid sick leave rules have taken effect, and the PA House passed a bill that would raise the minimum wage to at least $10/hour and $15/hour in larger cities, with further increases by 2028.
Here is a brief look at 5 new legal developments:
Workplace Policies & Discrimination (HB 1825): The PA House passed HB 1825 in December 2025 to amend the PA Human Relations Act, potentially requiring employers to adopt formal, written anti-harassment/discrimination policies.
Third-Party Harassment Liability: The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of PA, in a November 2025 case, O’Neill v. University of Pennsylvania, ruled that an employer may not be liable for non-employee (third-party) harassment unless it intended to allow that harassment. This imposes a stricter proof standard for complaining employees.
Philadelphia Paid Sick Leave: Effective Jan 1, 2026, amendments to the Philadelphia Sick Days Act require employers with 15 or more employees to provide 72 hours of paid sick leave, and those with fewer to provide 48 hours.
Philadelphia has enacted the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), prohibiting discrimination based upon hair texture and protective hairstyles. It has the effect of broadening the definition of “race” under the PA Human Relations Act to include traits such as hair texture.
Minimum Wage Increase: A bill passed by the PA House (HB 1549) would raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour in 2026 in small counties and $15/hour in PA metropolitan areas, with further annual increases by 2028.
As the year progresses, check back to this website to read about other legal trends and developments that could affect you and the world of work.