This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding civil rights by expanding the scope of protected classes in public educational institutions and places of public accommodation. It introduces explicit prohibitions against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in addition to existing categories such as race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, and disability. The bill also mandates that facilities segregated by sex, like restrooms and locker rooms, must allow individuals to use facilities corresponding to their gender identity, while allowing for separate, private facilities upon request. Furthermore, it requires that all single-occupancy restrooms in public buildings be designated as gender-neutral. In addition to these changes, the bill amends existing definitions and provisions related to housing and real estate transactions by adding "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the list of characteristics that cannot be used as a basis for discrimination. It also removes outdated language and clarifies the definition of "to rent" to encompass various forms of occupancy agreements. A new provision is introduced to prohibit discrimination by public or private entities in programs receiving state funds, expanding protections to include age. The Attorney General's office will be responsible for adopting regulations to enforce this new section, and the act will be titled the "Statewide Nondiscrimination Act" to reflect its commitment to preventing discrimination in housing and related services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-110.01, 41-1402, 41-1441, 41-1442, 41-1444, 41-1461, 41-1463, 41-1464, 41-1481, 41-1491, 41-1491.05, 41-1491.14, 41-1491.15, 41-1491.16, 41-1491.17, 41-1491.20, 41-1491.21, 41-1492.13, 38-611, 41-1465, 12-120.21, 12-120.22, 12-120.24, 41-1491.22, 101-336, 110-325, 41-1491.25