The proposed amendments to the North Dakota Century Code aim to strengthen protections against discrimination by adding "health status" as a protected category in various areas, including employment, public accommodations, and services. The bill modifies existing definitions and provisions to include health status alongside other protected categories such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability. This change is reflected in multiple sections, including 14-02.4-01, 14-02.4-03, and 14-02.4-04, which address discriminatory practices by employers and labor organizations. Additionally, a new definition for "health status" is introduced, encompassing individual preferences regarding medical procedures and the right to refuse certain medical interventions.

The bill also amends Section 14-02.4-17 to prohibit discrimination in credit transactions based on health status while allowing for the consideration of a person's credit history. It clarifies that health care facilities can inquire about an employee's health status for reasonable accommodations related to communicable diseases without engaging in unlawful discrimination. Furthermore, the legislation appropriates $25,000 from the general fund to the Department of Labor and Human Rights for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to accommodate claims related to health status, marking this as a one-time funding item. Overall, the bill reinforces the state's commitment to preventing discrimination and promoting equal treatment across various sectors.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 14-02.4-01, 14-02.4-02, 14-02.4-03, 14-02.4-04, 14-02.4-05, 14-02.4-06, 14-02.4-08, 14-02.4-09, 14-02.4-14, 14-02.4-15, 14-02.4-16, 14-02.4-17
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Rohr: 14-02.4-01, 14-02.4-02, 14-02.4-03, 14-02.4-04, 14-02.4-05, 14-02.4-06, 14-02.4-08, 14-02.4-09, 14-02.4-14, 14-02.4-15, 14-02.4-16, 14-02.4-17
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 14-02.4-01, 14-02.4-02, 14-02.4-03, 14-02.4-04, 14-02.4-05, 14-02.4-06, 14-02.4-08, 14-02.4-09, 14-02.4-14, 14-02.4-15, 14-02.4-16, 14-02.4-17
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Boehm: 14-02.4-01, 14-02.4-02, 14-02.4-03, 14-02.4-04, 14-02.4-05, 14-02.4-06, 14-02.4-08, 14-02.4-09, 14-02.4-14, 14-02.4-15, 14-02.4-16, 14-02.4-17