This bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by expanding the scope of employers subject to actions for discriminatory practices before the Human Rights Commission. Specifically, it lowers the threshold for the definition of "employer" from those employing twelve or more persons to those employing two or more persons. Additionally, the bill includes individuals who work under independent contracts in the definition of "employee," thereby broadening the protections against discrimination to a larger group of workers.

Furthermore, the bill increases the time frame for filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission from 365 days to three years following the alleged act of discrimination. This change aims to provide individuals with more time to seek redress for discriminatory practices. The proposed amendments also include various updates to legal language, such as replacing "shall" with "does" in the definition of "employee" and clarifying the commission's procedures for handling complaints and investigations.

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