Substitute House Bill No. 7236, also known as Public Act No. 25-139, significantly amends the legal framework surrounding human trafficking, sexual assault, and discrimination in various contexts. The bill expands the membership of the council addressing human trafficking and sexual assault victims by including the Commissioner of Transportation and increasing public members from fifteen to sixteen, with specific appointments for representatives of child victims of commercial exploitation and sex trafficking. It also introduces new definitions related to discrimination in housing, adding protections for individuals based on their status as victims of sexual assault and trafficking in persons, while removing references to domestic violence in certain contexts. The bill mandates that complaints regarding discrimination must be investigated within 100 days, with a final disposition required within one year.

Additionally, the bill enhances protections against discrimination in employment and public accommodations by broadening the categories of protected individuals to include victims of sexual assault and trafficking. It replaces the previous mention of "status as a victim of domestic violence" with these new categories across multiple statutes. The legislation also establishes penalties for the intentional desecration of houses of worship and outlines the responsibilities of employers regarding leave for employees affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. Overall, the bill aims to create a more inclusive legal environment that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations while ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 754:
Public Act No. 25-139: