SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5649

BYSenators Lee and Smitherman

Describing when the statute of limitations begins to run for actions based on complaints filed with the human rights commission.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1989

Senate Staff:Desley Brooks (786-7443); Sam Thompson (786-7754)

AS OF FEBRUARY 20, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The State Human Rights Commission is charged with the responsibility of eliminating and preventing discrimination based on, among other things, race, sex, marital status, national origin, and physical disability.  To that end, the commission has been granted the authority to receive, investigate, and rule upon complaints alleging unfair practices.  Approximately 1,500 complaints are filed each year with the commission.

It has been alleged that due to delays in the processing of complaints, persons who filed complaints have lost their right to file a civil suit because the statute of limitations has lapsed.

SUMMARY:

The time between the filing of a complaint and the final disposition of the complaint by the Human Rights Commission shall not be counted in determining the statutory time period within which a complainant must commence an action in civil court based on the same events that gave rise to the complaint.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested