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HF2956 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

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

Related bill: SF2891

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to modify existing Minnesota law regarding civil actions in cases of alleged discrimination in places of public accommodation. It seeks to remove certain limitations that currently exist on attorney fees and punitive damages in these cases.

Main Provisions

  • The bill specifically aims to eliminate the cap on reasonable attorney fees and punitive damages for lawsuits alleging discrimination in public accommodations.
  • Under current law, attorney fees and punitive damages in such cases are capped at $500. The proposed amendment seeks to remove these caps, allowing the courts the discretion to award amounts that they find appropriate and reasonable without being limited to this predefined ceiling.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The existing cap of $500 on both attorney fees and punitive damages for discrimination cases in public accommodations will be eliminated.
  • The removal of these caps could potentially lead to higher financial awards for plaintiffs in cases where discrimination is proven, thereby increasing accountability for violators and possibly deterring discriminatory practices through potentially higher financial penalties.

Relevant Terms

discrimination, public accommodation, punitive damages, attorney fees, civil action, legal caps, financial award, Minnesota Statutes Section 604.12

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toJudiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the procedure for including a claim for punitive damages in a civil action.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "549.191",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Outlines the parameters for awarding punitive damages in civil actions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "549.20",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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