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SF2891 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Cap on reasonable attorney fees and punitive damages for certain actions in places of public accommodation alleging discrimination removal

Related bill: HF2956

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to amend existing Minnesota law to remove the limitations on the amount of reasonable attorney fees and punitive damages that can be awarded in certain civil actions related to discrimination in public accommodations.

Main Provisions

  • Removal of Caps: The bill seeks to eliminate the existing cap on the amount that can be awarded for reasonable attorney fees and punitive damages in cases alleging discrimination in places of public accommodation.
  • Civil Actions: The affected civil actions involve individuals who have been injured through discriminatory practices and are pursuing legal remedies such as actual damages, punitive damages as per sections 549.191 and 549.20, injunctive relief, and attorney fees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Unlimited Awards: Previously, there was a cap of $500 on reasonable attorney fees and punitive damages in these types of civil actions. This bill proposes to remove these caps, allowing for potentially larger financial awards for claimants.

Relevant Terms

  • Attorney fees, punitive damages, public accommodations, discrimination, civil actions, Minnesota Statutes, legal remedies, actual damages, injunctive relief.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows for punitive damages under sections 549.191 and 549.20."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Cap on attorney fees and punitive damages not to exceed 500 removed."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the cap on reasonable attorney fees and punitive damages in civil actions related to discrimination in public accommodations.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "604.12",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section allows for the inclusion of punitive damages under specified civil actions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "549.191",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section relates to conditions under which punitive damages may be awarded.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "549.20",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors