HF2380

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to strengthen protections against discrimination for individuals with disabilities in Minnesota. It aims to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to public and private services, programs, and activities, and that they are not discriminated against based on their disability status.

Main Provisions

• Prohibition of Discrimination: The bill prohibits any form of discrimination against individuals with disabilities by entities that receive funding from the state of Minnesota. This means these entities must not deny participation in or benefits of their services and must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.
• Definition of Disability: It defines individuals with disabilities as those who have a physical or mental condition that significantly limits major life activities such as self-care, mobility, learning, communication, working, and social interaction.
• Service Animals: The bill makes it illegal for public venues like hotels, restaurants, and transportation services to deny access to individuals with disabilities who are accompanied by service animals. It also prohibits charging additional fees for entry with a service animal.
• Consistency with Federal Law: The definition of a service animal used in the bill is consistent with that provided by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends the Minnesota Statutes section 363A.19 to explicitly prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and clarify the accommodation and service animal provisions, ensuring entities comply with state and federal standards.

Relevant Terms

• Discrimination
• Disability
• Reasonable accommodations
• Service animal
• Americans with Disabilities Act