House Bill 439, also known as the CROWN Act, is now headed to the Senate State Government Committee for a vote after passing the state House Monday, according to State Rep. La’Tasha Mayes (D-Allegheny).

“Today we take another significant step towards ending race-based discrimination in our commonwealth and creating a respectful and open world for natural hair,” Mayes said. “It is shameful that such a basic protection has still not been codified into our state law after years of legislative action. No one should face discrimination for wearing their hair as it naturally grows from their head or in protective styles such as locs, braids or cornrows. The CROWN Act deserves an immediate vote from the state Senate to protect our workers, students, and other members of the public from this insidious type of discrimination.”

The bill passed the state House with a vote of 194-8.

H.B. 439 would “amend the PA Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s hair type, hair texture or hairstyle,” including for Pennsylvania employers.

During the previous legislation, the CROWN Act did pass the state house with a vote of 182-21 but it was never brought before the Senate.