HF4109 Summary

• Expands disability discrimination protections to include episodic or remission impairments that would materially limit a major life activity when active.

• Increases filing deadlines for civil actions from 45 to 90 days after receiving notice of dismissal or no probable cause determination by commissioner or local commission.

• Establishes new civil penalties and remedies including compensatory damages up to three times actual damages, punitive damages per section 549.20, and specific employment and housing remedies.

• Tolls the 12-month determination period during mediation, alternative dispute resolution, settlement negotiations with written approval, or investigation by another enforcement agency.

• Removes the State Board of Human Rights from definition of "party in interest," making only complainant, respondent, or commissioner eligible parties in discrimination cases.