Pennsylvania Local Employment Law Changes for 2026 - HR ALERTS
- Regina Dyerly, SHRBP, PHR
- Dec 30, 2025
- 1 min read
Pennsylvania Local Employment Law Changes for 2026
Effective: December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Several local employment law changes take effect in Pennsylvania at the end of 2025 and early 2026. These updates apply only to employers with employees working in the affected city or county, including remote employees assigned to those locations.
Key 2025/2026 Pennsylvania Local Updates
Chester County
Human Relations Ordinance expands protections related to discrimination, fair pay, recruiting, and hiring
Effective December 23, 2025
Pittsburgh
Increase to Paid Sick Leave entitlements for covered employees
Effective January 1, 2026
Philadelphia
Strengthened Ban the Box ordinance, further restricting when and how employers may consider criminal history during hiring
Effective January 6, 2026
What Employers Should Do Now
Employers with workers in Chester County, Pittsburgh, or Philadelphia should review local hiring practices, paid leave policies, and job application processes to ensure compliance with city- and county-specific requirements.
Get day-to-day updates on Pennsylvania Local Employment Law Changes for 2026 visit the Vida HR Knowledge Center (Vida HR Clients Exclusive).