Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to enhance protections against discrimination for individuals with disabilities in Minnesota. It aims to ensure equal access and opportunities within public and private entities that receive state funding, by prohibiting discriminatory practices based on disability status.

Main Provisions

• Non-Discrimination Requirement: The bill mandates that no individual with a disability should be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any services, programs, or activities of any public or private entities that receive money from the state of Minnesota.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Entities must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure full accessibility and participation for individuals with disabilities.
• Definition of Disability: The bill defines a person with a disability as someone with a physical or mental condition that significantly limits major life activities such as mobility, communication, self-care, and social interaction.

Significant Changes

• Service Animals: It clarifies that it is discriminatory for public venue owners, operators, or managers to prevent people with disabilities from bringing service animals into public places, provided the service animals are controlled. It also prohibits additional fees for the admission of service animals.
• Alignment with Federal Standards: The definition and protections surrounding service animals align with the standards set by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Relevant Terms

• Disability
• Discrimination
• Reasonable Accommodations
• Service Animal
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)