Department of Human Rights maintaining a collection or database on incidents of protected speech prohibition

SF 1368 prohibits the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining any database or collection of incidents involving protected speech, such as free speech, assembly, or petitioning activities guaranteed by the U.S. or Minnesota Constitutions. The bill explicitly bans the department from offering rewards for reporting such incidents and removes the ability to collect data on protected speech incidents that were previously allowed under existing law. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 363A.06, specifically targets the department's data collection practices without altering its core duties in investigating discrimination. The bill affects only the department's data management related to protected speech, leaving unchanged its responsibilities for addressing discrimination in housing, employment, or public accommodations.