H.R. 2116 would prohibit discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill would prohibit this type of discrimination against individuals participating in or receiving benefits provided by federally funded programs, such as housing programs under the Fair Housing Act. The legislation also would prohibit this type of discrimination in employment settings and in public accommodations. To enforce the prohibitions, H.R. 2116 would allow aggrieved parties to file civil suits in federal courts in the same manner as discrimination suits filed for other violations under the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act.
Using information from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), CBO expects that the EEOC would receive roughly 200 to 300 more employment discrimination claims each year under H.R. 2116. To meet that additional workload, CBO estimates that the commission would need the equivalent of four additional employees, at a cost of about $3 million over the 2022-2026 period.
Furthermore, using information from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), CBO expects that HUD’s Fair Housing Activities Program would receive approximately 60 more housing discrimination complaints each year under H.R. 2116. To meet that additional workload, CBO estimates HUD would need about $1 million over the 2022-2026 period for new staff, training, and outreach to process the complaints.
