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HF2855 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Statute of limitations for actions under the Minnesota Human Rights Act amended.

Related bill: SF3112

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to extend the statute of limitations for filing claims related to unfair discriminatory practices under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. It seeks to provide more time for individuals to bring forth claims of discrimination by amending the existing timeline specified in the state laws.

Main Provisions

  • The statute of limitations for filing a claim of unfair discriminatory practice is extended from one year to ten years.
  • This extension applies to civil actions filed under section 363A.33 subdivision 1, charges filed with a local commission, or charges filed with the commissioner.
  • The bill allows for the suspension of the ten-year limitation period during the time parties are engaged in dispute resolution processes, such as arbitration, mediation, or grievance procedures.
  • Respondents involved in dispute resolution processes must notify the department and the charging party of their participation and the dates of commencement and conclusion; failure to notify may prevent raising a statute of limitations defense.
  • The limitation period may also be suspended during specified periods under section 363A.331, subdivision 2, during which a civil action cannot be brought.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill proposes a substantial increase in the timeframe for individuals to file claims of discrimination from one year to ten years, significantly extending the opportunity to seek legal recourse.
  • It clarifies the procedures and responsibilities of parties involved in dispute resolution processes, focusing on communication and documentation requirements with the department and charging parties.

Relevant Terms

human rights act, statute of limitations, discrimination claim, civil action, dispute resolution process, arbitration, conciliation, mediation, grievance procedures, collective bargaining agreement, sexual harassment, sexual violence policy, charging party, respondent.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 25, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toJudiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends the statute of limitations for filing a civil action under section 363A.33 related to the Minnesota Human Rights Act.",
      "modified": [
        "Extends statute of limitation from one year to ten years for filing a civil action."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "363A.33",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modification involves filing claims with local commissions under section 363A.07.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes time frame for filing charges from one year to ten years."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "363A.07",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This amendment addresses the suspension period for civil action under section 363A.331.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies time period during which the statute of limitations is suspended"
      ]
    },
    "citation": "363A.331",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors