This bill amends the Minnesota Human Rights Act by changing the provisions related to disparate impact, specifically in employment practices. The new language clarifies that liability can be imposed for practices that have a discriminatory effect, regardless of intent. It defines a discriminatory effect as one that results in a disparate impact on a protected class or perpetuates segregated housing patterns. Additionally, it allows individuals to pursue claims based on practices that have a disparate impact on groups, even if they have not yet been implemented, and removes the requirement to identify specific policies within a group that cause the impact.

Furthermore, the bill introduces specific provisions regarding the use of artificial intelligence, stating that such practices can also have a discriminatory effect if they result in disparate impacts on protected classes or contribute to segregation. The legislation emphasizes that while practices with discriminatory effects may still be lawful if they serve substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory purposes, there must be no feasible alternative that achieves the same goals with less discriminatory impact.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 363A.28