SB 1382 Summary

• Expands protected classes in Arizona employment discrimination law by replacing "sex" with "gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation" throughout the Arizona Revised Statutes sections 41-1463, 41-1464, and 41-1481.

• Adds new exception allowing religious organizations, including educational institutions substantially controlled or supported by religious organizations, to make employment decisions based on gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation if the position is directly related to religious functions or education.

• Clarifies that employers are not required to retain or maintain records regarding an individual's or group's gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.

• Makes technical corrections including replacing archaic language ("which" changed to "that," "upon" changed to "on," "such" changed to "an" or removed where appropriate).

• Maintains existing protections and remedies for employment discrimination while expanding protected categories to include gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation.