NDHRC Action Alert

NDHRC Action Alert (1) - Human Rights bills in the North Dakota Legislature

The Labor Commissioner has proposed some changes to the North Dakota Human Rights Act and North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act. These bills will be heard in committees the week of January 10th. Please visit http://www.ndhrc.org/Goals/NonGoalWork/Developments/OtherNDHRCWork.htm for the NDHRC testimony.

HB 1130

Scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 9:00 a.m. before the House Judiciary Committee (members & e-mails listed at http://www.state.nd.us/lr/assembly/59-2005/house/standing-comm/ , scroll down to Judiciary)

Clarifies prohibition of retaliation for filing a discrimination complaint - NDHRC supports

HB 1158

NDHRC opposes some of the amendments to the North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act in this bill:

(1) codifying the Attorney General's position that they represent only the State in discrimination complaints

(2) codifying the unavailability of punitive damages through the department or in an administrative hearing under the North Dakota Human Rights Act

If you'd like to help oppose these changes, please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and let them know that you support the NDHRC's objections. You can send them an e-mail, or call them at 1-888-NDLEGIS (635-3447) or 701-328-3373 (local).

Suggested comment:

I support the objections of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition to the changes in the North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act in HB 1158. Please amend the bill to delete these changes. They are not necessary and would decrease the effectiveness of enforcement of the North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act.

[Name]

[Address]

Thanks for your support!

Cheryl Bergian
Director
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition
(701) 239-9323 (Fargo)