In a decisive move to strengthen civil rights protections in Minnesota, the Senate has given the green light to a bill that has been in legislative limbo for years. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights Policy Bill, spearheaded by Senator Bonnie Westlin of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party from Plymouth, soared through the Senate with a unanimous vote on Tuesday. The update, cataloged as House File 4109, intends to modernize the Minnesota Human Rights Act, a much-needed overhaul that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle found common ground on.
The legislation broadens the scope of what constitutes a disability, recognizing conditions that are episodic in nature. According to a release from the Minnesota Senate DFL, a person experiencing material impact from such a condition is now considered to have a disability at that time. The reform also redefines familial status to protect a wider range of guardians and those with disabilities requiring assistance. Another key provision extends the timeframe for filing a civil suit from 45 days to 90 following a dismissal by a local human rights commission.
Discrimination in public accommodations also faces a crackdown under this bill, with specifications that now include the use of service animals by people with disabilities – an area that was previously limited to physical and sensory disabilities. Adding to that, courts are now empowered to grant equitable relief in both employment and housing discrimination cases. This could manifest in several forms, including reinstatement of employment, compensation for unpaid wages, or alternative housing arrangements.
An update to the bill's language was also notable, expanding the definition of discrimination to encompass harassment based on any protected class, not solely that of sex. "Updating this bill means we are continuing the work to protect Minnesotans' civil rights," Senator Westlin underscored. As reported by the Minnesota Senate DFL, she added, "This bill represents some incredibly important, long-overdue updates that protect Minnesotans from many different backgrounds and life experiences. I am proud to author this legislation to ensure every Minnesotan lives with dignity under the law." With the legislative hurdle cleared in the Senate, the bill sets a new precedent for human rights policy in the state, reflecting a bipartisan effort to fortify legal protections for a diverse populace.
