MS HB251

Creates the "Mississippi Civil Rights Act" establishing freedom from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, immigrant status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or familial status as a civil right.

Protects rights to obtain employment, access public accommodations, engage in property and housing transactions, participate in credit and contractual transactions, and attend educational institutions without discrimination.

Allows individuals injured by discrimination in public accommodations, property transactions, credit transactions, or education to file civil suits for injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, litigation costs, and attorney's fees.

Permits employees discriminated against by employers with 9 or more employees to sue for injunctive relief, back pay with interest, compensatory and punitive damages (for intentional discrimination), and attorney's fees, with back pay claims limited to 2 years prior to filing.

Exempts religious organizations from employment discrimination prohibitions when hiring individuals of particular faiths for work connected with religious activities; takes effect July 1, 2019.