Minneapolis implemented expanded civil rights protections effective August 1, 2025, prohibiting discrimination based on housing status, criminal history and physical characteristics including height and weight.

The new ordinance defines housing status as whether someone has stable, regular overnight shelter or lacks housing. Justice impact refers to criminal records or history, including arrests, charges, convictions, incarceration or probation supervision. The law also protects against discrimination based on actual or perceived height and weight.

Employers must consider several factors when evaluating justice impact, including whether a conviction is on record, how long ago the offense or conviction occurred, the nature and severity of the crime, the person's age at the time, and evidence of rehabilitation. Employers cannot discriminate based on arrests without convictions, except for pending cases. Government jobs retain existing assessment rights.

The protections apply to education, employment, housing and public accommodations such as stores and restaurants. Decisions based on height or weight must relate to job requirements or services, with no reasonable alternative that wouldn't create undue hardship, fundamentally alter services or pose health and safety risks.

Employers and educational institutions must review the new regulations to understand current compliance requirements. The city website provides additional information and accepts discrimination complaints.