SF 863

1st Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 02/14/2025 09:15 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to employment; clarifying prohibited reprisals for political activity;
providing for a civil cause of action; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section
10A.36.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.36, is amended to read:

10A.36 REPRISALS PROHIBITED; PENALTY.

new text begin (a) new text end An new text begin employer, new text end individual new text begin , new text end or association must not engage in economic reprisals or
threaten loss of employment or physical coercion against an individual or association because
of that individual's or association's political contributions or political activity new text begin , including for
becoming a candidate for elected public office. For purposes of this section, "employer"
has the meaning given in section 179.01, subdivision 3 new text end .

new text begin (b) new text end This deleted text begin subdivision deleted text end new text begin section new text end does not apply to compensation for employment or loss of
employment if the political affiliation or viewpoint of the employee is a bona fide
occupational qualification of the employment.

new text begin (c) An individual or association injured by a violation of this section may bring a civil
action in district court for damages, injunctive relief, costs and reasonable attorney fees,
and any other relief the court deems just and equitable, including reinstatement of
employment.
new text end

new text begin (d) new text end An new text begin employer, new text end individual new text begin , new text end or association that violates this section is guilty of a gross
misdemeanor.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to violations
committed on or after that date and to causes of action accruing on or after that date.
new text end