Bill > HF4109

This bill amends Minnesota's human rights law in several key ways: 1. It expands the protected characteristics against which discrimination is prohibited, including adding gender identity, familial status, and status as a caregiver for individuals unable to care for themselves. 2. It clarifies and expands the definition of "disability" to include impairments that are episodic or in remission. 3. It allows parties to resolve discrimination complaints through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution processes. 4. It increases the time period for filing a civil action from 45 days to 90 days in certain situations. 5. It authorizes courts to impose civil penalties on entities found to have engaged in unlawful discrimination, and allows for the recovery of punitive damages, in addition to compensatory damages. 6. It provides courts broader authority to order remedies such as hiring, reinstatement, or housing accommodations in cases involving employment or housing discrimination. The overall goal of the bill is to strengthen legal protections against discrimination and enhance the remedies available to those who have experienced unlawful discrimination in Minnesota.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF4109&ssn=0&y=2023