Cal. Civ. Code § 962.1
Local Human Relations Commissions
Operative Text
(a) The legislative body of a political subdivision may, by ordinance or resolution, authorize the establishment or membership in and support of a Local Human Relations Commission. The number and qualifications of the members of any local commission and their terms and method of appointment or removal shall be such as may be determined and agreed upon by the legislative body, except that no such member shall hold office in any political party. Members of a local commission shall serve without salary but may be paid expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. (b) The legislative body of any political subdivision shall have the authority to appropriate funds, in such amounts as may be deemed necessary, for the purpose of contributing to the operation of a local commission including the payment of its share of the salary of an investigator or staff member acting jointly for it and one or more other local commissions. (c) The local commission shall have the power to appoint such employes and staff, as it may deem necessary, to fulfill its purpose including the power to appoint an investigator or staff member to act jointly for it and one or more other local commissions. (d) The legislative bodies of political subdivisions shall have the authority to grant to local commissions powers and duties similar to those now exercised by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission under the provisions of this act. (e) The local human relations commission shall notify the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission of complaints received involving discriminatory acts within that commission's jurisdiction. ((e) added Dec. 16, 1986, P.L.1626, No.186)
Under 43 P.S. § 962.1, Pennsylvania municipalities are permitted to create or join Local Human Relations Commissions to address discrimination at the local level. These commissions can be staffed, funded, and granted enforcement powers similar to those held by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. When a local commission receives a complaint about discriminatory acts within its jurisdiction, it is required to notify the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission of that complaint.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Pennsylvania municipalities should be aware that under 43 P.S. § 962.1, their local government may have established a Local Human Relations Commission with authority to investigate and act on discrimination complaints. Compliant operators generally maintain housing practices that conform not only to state anti-discrimination standards but also to any additional local ordinances enacted under this provision. Awareness of whether a local commission exists in a given jurisdiction is a practical part of staying current with applicable fair housing obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 43 P.S. § 962.1, tenants in Pennsylvania municipalities may have access to a Local Human Relations Commission that can receive and investigate complaints about discriminatory housing practices. If such a commission exists locally, it may hold powers similar to those of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, providing an additional avenue for addressing discrimination. Tenants who believe they have experienced discriminatory treatment may consider contacting their local commission, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, or a tenant-rights organization to understand what options are available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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