Minnesota Senate Bill SF410

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23

Caption

Review requirement of Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules for compliance with the Equal Rights Amendment

Impact

If enacted, this bill would have significant implications for state laws, as it mandates a comprehensive review of Minnesota's statutes to identify areas that may require amendments to align with the ERA. The goal is to remove any outdated or discriminatory language that could hinder the progress of gender equality within state legislation. Furthermore, it includes provisions for introducing corrective legislation in the subsequent legislative session to address any discrepancies discovered during the review process.

Summary

SF410 is a legislative proposal aimed at ensuring compliance with the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States Constitution by reviewing Minnesota Statutes and Rules. The bill seeks to direct the revisor of statutes, in conjunction with Senate and House research departments, to conduct a thorough study of existing laws to identify any language that is in conflict with the ERA, particularly concerning sex-specific language and treatments in Minnesota law. This legislative effort emphasizes the state's commitment to upholding human rights and promoting gender equality.

Contention

While proponents of SF410 highlight its importance in enhancing human rights protections and aligning state laws with federal standards, there may be points of contention regarding the interpretations of the ERA and the potential costs associated with conducting the review and enacting changes to existing statutes. Some legislators may express concerns about the administrative burden of such a review or question the necessity of altering established laws, even if they contain outdated language.