Bill > SF1368

This bill prohibits the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from maintaining any collection or database on incidents of "protected speech," which is defined as any exercise of First Amendment-guaranteed rights including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, right of assembly, right to petition, or right of association under either the U.S. or Minnesota Constitution. Currently, the Department of Human Rights is authorized to conduct research and develop data on discriminatory practices, including analyzing civil rights trends and preparing biennial reports to legislative committees. The bill specifically amends section 363A.06, subdivision 1 of Minnesota Statutes to add language that explicitly forbids the department from directly or indirectly collecting information about protected speech incidents or offering rewards for reporting such incidents. This prohibition appears designed to prevent potential tracking or documentation of speech-related activities that might be considered constitutionally protected, potentially in response to concerns about potential government surveillance or interference with First Amendment rights.

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https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1368&ssn=0&y=2025