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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 main purpose of this bill is to address limitations in legal actions concerning discrimination in public accommodations. It aims to remove existing caps on reasonable attorney fees and punitive damages in such civil actions.

Main Provisions

  • Removal of Cap on Attorney Fees and Punitive Damages: The bill proposes eliminating the current monetary cap on reasonable attorney fees and punitive damages for lawsuits that are filed as a result of discrimination in places of public accommodation.
  • Amendment of Current Law: It amends the Minnesota Statutes section 604.12 subdivision 3, allowing for potentially higher compensation to individuals who successfully prove discrimination in these circumstances.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill significantly alters existing legal constraints by removing the limits on the amounts that can be awarded for attorney fees and punitive damages. Previously, these amounts were capped at a maximum of $500 each. The removal of these caps could lead to larger financial rewards or penalties in discrimination cases within public accommodations.

Relevant Terms

  • Public accommodation
  • Discrimination
  • Civil actions
  • Attorney fees
  • Punitive damages

Bill text versions

Actions

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

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill relates to civil actions concerning punitive damages.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows the removal of caps on punitive damages."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "549.191"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill addresses the provision of punitive damages in certain actions.",
      "modified": [
        "Permits increased reasonable attorney fees without imposed caps."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "549.20"
  }
]

Sponsors