SF1529 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Discrimination against an individual refusal of certain medical interventions for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions discrimination prohibition provision

Related bill: HF481

AI Generated Summary

This bill, introduced in the Minnesota Senate, aims to prevent discrimination against individuals who choose not to undergo specific medical treatments such as vaccines, pharmaceutical drugs, or genetic technologies based on their personal or religious beliefs. The key points of the bill are:

  1. Protection Against Discrimination: The bill prohibits various entities, including employers, healthcare providers, and educational institutions, from discriminating against individuals who refuse certain medical interventions. Discrimination can include denial of employment, services, or access to commerce, as well as segregation or financial penalties.

  2. Right to Take Legal Action: If an individual believes they have been discriminated against as outlined in the bill, they can either seek a court order to stop the discrimination or sue for monetary damages.

  3. Legal Outcomes and Awards: If an individual successfully proves discrimination in court, they are entitled to recover their court costs and attorney fees. Furthermore, if they win a lawsuit for damages, they may receive triple the amount of their actual damages or a minimum of two hundred dollars, whichever is greater.

  4. Override of Conflicting Laws: This bill would take precedence over any conflicting state laws, unless those laws specifically exempt themselves from the provisions of this bill.

In summary, S.F. No. 1529 seeks to ensure that individuals who opt-out of certain medical treatments for conscientious reasons, including religious beliefs, are protected from various forms of discrimination and have avenues for legal recourse if they face such discrimination.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 16, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 16, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services