Bill > HF768

This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to prohibit the Department of Human Rights from maintaining any collection or database related to incidents of protected speech. Specifically, the bill defines "protected speech" as any exercise of constitutional rights to freedom of speech, press, assembly, petition, or association, as guaranteed by either the United States or Minnesota Constitution. The bill explicitly prevents the department from directly or indirectly collecting information about such incidents or offering rewards for reporting them. This modification appears to be an effort to protect individuals' First Amendment rights by preventing the potential documentation or tracking of protected speech activities. The change is made to section 363A.06, subdivision 1, which outlines the commissioner's responsibilities in administering human rights policies. The bill maintains the department's other functions, such as investigating discriminatory practices and developing civil rights reports, while creating a specific limitation on tracking speech-related incidents.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0768&ssn=0&y=2025