Minneapolis will implement expanded civil rights protections beginning August 1st, 2025, adding housing status, criminal history and physical appearance to the city's anti-discrimination ordinance.

The new protections prohibit discrimination based on housing status, defined as whether someone has a stable place to sleep at night. Justice-impacted individuals, those with criminal records or history including arrests, charges, convictions or probation, also receive protection under the ordinance. Additionally, discrimination based on height and weight is now prohibited.

Employers retain the ability to consider criminal history as it relates to specific job requirements, according to the ordinance. Factors including conviction status, time elapsed since the offense, crime severity and evidence of rehabilitation must be considered in employment decisions. Employers cannot discriminate based on arrests that did not result in convictions, except for pending cases.

The ordinance applies to employment, education, housing and public accommodations including stores and restaurants. Any decisions considering height or weight must be reasonably necessary for normal operations, with no alternative methods available that would not compromise health, safety or program objectives.

The expanded protections also include broader definitions of race, familial status and disability, along with increased protections for pregnant workers and religious observances. Employers and educational institutions are advised to review the ordinance for compliance requirements.