Purpose of the Bill

The bill amends the Minnesota Statutes to clarify what actions constitute discrimination by places of public accommodation against individuals with disabilities. It aims to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to goods, services, facilities, and opportunities, and addresses necessary accommodations for those with different types of disabilities.

Main Provisions

• General Prohibitions: The bill specifies that it is discriminatory for any public accommodation to deny opportunities to individuals or classes based on disability, or to provide unequal benefits compared to others. It mandates that goods and services should be offered in the most integrated setting appropriate.
• Accommodation Requirements: The bill requires that individuals with disabilities are provided with necessary auxiliary aids and accessible medical equipment to ensure full access to health care services and facilities. Examples include adjustable height examination tables, transfer equipment, and lifting devices.
• Integration and Participation: The bill reinforces that separate programs should not deny individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in mainstream activities or services unless these separate services are necessary for effective access.

Significant Changes

• Provision of Accessible Medical Equipment: The bill requires places of public accommodation to provide specific accessible medical equipment for individuals with mobility disabilities. This includes items such as adjustable-height exam tables and lifts, which were previously not explicitly required.
• Removal of Barriers: It outlines obligations for the removal of architectural and communication barriers when it is feasible (readily achievable) and suggests alternative means where removal cannot be reasonably achieved.

Relevant Terms

• Disability discrimination
• Public accommodation
• Integrated setting
• Auxiliary aids
• Accessible medical equipment
• Architectural and communication barriers