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AL HB139
Bill
Status
2/4/2025
Primary Sponsor
Rolanda Hollis
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AI Summary
HB139 Summary
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Prohibits discrimination in public accommodations (stores, establishments, government-funded facilities) based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, with exemptions for private clubs, small rooming houses, and religious organizations.
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Defines "race" to include ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, skin complexion, hair texture, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.
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Makes it unlawful for local school boards to discriminate against individuals based on race, sex, disability, or national origin.
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Prohibits employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations from discriminating in hiring, discharge, compensation, or membership based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, and protects individuals who report violations or participate in investigations.
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Creates a private cause of action for discrimination violations with potential remedies including back wages, punitive damages if willful, and attorney fees for prevailing plaintiffs; becomes effective October 1, 2025.
Legislative Description
Discrimination, unlawful to deny an individual full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations based on protected classes; unlawful for a local school board to discriminate against individual based on protected classes; unlawful for employer or labor organization board to discriminate against employee or member based on protected classes; state cause of action created
Discrimination & Civil Protections
Last Action
Pending House Judiciary
2/4/2025