Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits hair discrimination in education, employment, or any other public setting.

Highlights:

• Specifies that the term race includes traits associated with race including hair texture and protective hairstyles (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes an employer to adopt and enforce a valid workplace health and safety rule or policy if the following is demonstrated (Sec. 1):

• It is reasonably certain that the health and safety of an employee will be impaired without the adoption of the policy;

• The policy is adopted for nondiscriminatory reasons;

• The policy is applied equally and does not disproportionately have an adverse impact on individuals based on traits associated with race; and

• The policy is specific to the applicable activity and position.

• Specifies that the term protective hairstyles includes, but is not limited to (Sec. 1):

• Locs;

• Braids;

• Twists;

• Coils;

• Bantu knots;

• Afros; and

• Extensions.

Full Bill Text