Statute of limitations for actions under the Minnesota Human Rights Act amended.

Minnesota House Bill HF2855 proposes to extend the time limit for individuals to file a lawsuit under the Minnesota Human Rights Act from one year to ten years after the alleged discriminatory act. Additionally, the bill pauses this ten-year period during voluntary dispute resolution processes, such as arbitration or mediation, and requires respondents to notify the relevant department and claimant if they engage in such processes before a lawsuit is filed.

Supporters of HF2855 argue that extending the statute of limitations to ten years provides victims of discrimination with a more reasonable timeframe to recognize and act upon their rights, especially in cases where the impact of discrimination may not be immediately apparent. The suspension of the limitation period during dispute resolution processes is seen as encouraging alternative resolutions without penalizing claimants for seeking such avenues.

Critics of HF2855 contend that a ten-year statute of limitations could lead to challenges in gathering evidence and witness testimonies, potentially resulting in less reliable case outcomes. There are also concerns that the extended timeframe might increase the number of lawsuits, placing additional burdens on the judicial system and on businesses that may face prolonged uncertainty regarding potential claims.