This bill aims 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 employees, rather than the previous threshold of twelve. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "employee" to encompass individuals working under independent contracts with employers. Another significant change is the extension of 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, such as replacing "shall" with "does" in the definition of "employee" and clarifying the commission's procedures for handling complaints. It specifies that any complaint must be filed within three years of the alleged discrimination and outlines the commission's responsibilities in investigating and resolving such complaints. Overall, the proposed changes are designed to enhance protections against discrimination and streamline the process for individuals seeking redress.

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