SB265 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

William “Bill” M. BeasleyLinda Coleman-MadisonVivian Davis Figures

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Discrimination, hair and ethicity, relating to discrimination, to prohibit discrimination in employment, public accomodations, housing, and to create cause of action against employer who discriminates

Summary

SB265 would prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle or hair texture in employment, public accommodations, housing, and government financial assistance, creating a legal remedy for those affected.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill would make it illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants or employees for their hairstyle or hair texture. It would also bar denying full and equal access to public accommodations because of hairstyle, and prohibit discrimination in programs receiving state or federal financial assistance and in housing based on hairstyle. The bill creates a private right of action for individuals whose rights are violated and lays out remedies, including possible back wages, damages, and attorney fees, plus retaliation protections for those who enforce rights or participate in investigations.

Who It Affects

• Employees and job applicants who wear hairstyles commonly associated with race (e.g., braids, locks, afros) and would be protected from workplace discrimination.
• Consumers, public accommodation users, and recipients of government financial assistance who would be protected from hairstyle-based discrimination in public facilities, housing programs, and assisted services.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits employment discrimination based on hairstyle or hair texture; defines hairstyle broadly (e.g., braids, locks, twists, cornrows, afros, bantu knots, fades) and ties it to being associated with race or ethnicity.
• Prohibits denial of full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations because of hairstyle.
• Establishes a private right of action for individuals whose employment rights are violated, with remedies such as back wages/benefits and possible liquidated damages for willful violations; authorizes attorney fees for prevailing parties; prohibits court costs or fees charged to plaintiffs.
• Prohibits retaliation against individuals who enforce rights or participate in investigations under the bill (e.g., actions taken for testifying, assisting in investigations, or exercising rights).
• Allows courts to order relief including stopping discriminatory actions and compensating for lost wages or benefits; may award additional damages if conduct was willful.
• Extends hairstyle-based non-discrimination protections to programs receiving state or federal financial assistance and to housing to prevent discrimination based on hairstyle.
• Defines the term employer (five or more employees, excluding certain nonprofits and religious associations) and clarifies related terms (hairstyle, hair texture, race/ethnicity).
• Effective date set for the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Discrimination