Minnesota Statutes Human Rights (Ch. 363, 363A) § 363A.07. Local commissions

Subdivision 1. Jurisdiction of county commissions. If a county or group of counties creates a local commission, the commission does not have jurisdiction over any part of the county that is within the jurisdiction of a local commission created by city charter or municipal ordinance.

Subd. 2. Referral from commissioner. The commissioner, whether or not a charge has been filed under this chapter, may refer a matter involving discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, creed, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or familial status to a local commission for study and report.

Upon referral by the commissioner, the local commission shall make a report and make recommendations to the commissioner and take other appropriate action within the scope of its powers.

Subd. 3. Referral to commissioner. A local commission may refer a matter under its jurisdiction to the commissioner.

The charging party has the option of filing a charge either with a local commission or the department. Notwithstanding the provisions of any ordinance or resolution to the contrary, a charge may be filed with a local commission within one year after the occurrence of the practice. The exercise of such choice in filing a charge with one agency shall preclude the option of filing the same charge with the other agency. At the time a charge comes to the attention of a local agency, the agency or its representative shall inform the charging party of this option, and of the party's rights under Laws 1967, chapter 897. 1

Where this chapter provides additional protections and remedies not provided for under a local antidiscrimination ordinance, the local commission shall advise a party bringing a charge under a local ordinance of those additional protections and remedies and of the option to file a charge under this chapter.

The term “local commission” as used in this subdivision has the same meaning given the term in section 363A.03, subdivision 23.

Subd. 4. Withdrawal from local commission. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or ordinance to the contrary, a person who has filed a charge with a local commission may bring a civil action as provided in section 363A.34 at the following times: