This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 363A.19, to strengthen protections against discrimination based on disability status. It explicitly prohibits any public or private entity receiving state funds from excluding individuals with disabilities from participation in their services, programs, or activities. The bill mandates that these entities provide reasonable accommodations and ensures that individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against. Additionally, it defines "individual with a disability" and "disability" in accordance with existing statutes, and outlines the rights of individuals with disabilities regarding service animals in public places.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that make it an unfair discriminatory practice for public places to deny access to service animals or to impose extra charges for their presence. It also instructs the revisor of statutes to add cross-references to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act whenever it appears in Minnesota Statutes, ensuring consistency in the legal language. The new provisions will take effect the day after the bill is enacted.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 363A.19