This bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia regarding actions for discriminatory practices before the Human Rights Commission. It expands the definition of "employer" to include any person employing two or more individuals, rather than the previous threshold of twelve. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "employee" to encompass individuals working under independent contracts with employers. Furthermore, it extends the time frame for filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission from 365 days to three years following the alleged act of discrimination.

The bill also makes several technical adjustments to the language of existing law, including the removal of certain phrases and the addition of clarifying terms. For instance, it replaces "shall" with "does" in the definition of "employee" and specifies that the commission must issue findings of fact and conclusions of law alongside any orders issued after a hearing. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance protections against discrimination and streamline the process for individuals seeking redress.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-11-3, 5-11-10