131st MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 967		LR 1698(02)
	An Act to Strengthen Protections of Persons After a Maine Human Rights Commission Investigation Finds No Reasonable Grounds Exist to Believe Unlawful Discrimination Occurred
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Judiciary
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Potential current biennium cost increase - General Fund Potential current biennium revenue decrease - Federal Expenditures Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill prohibits the Maine Human Rights Commission from taking certain actions related to a complaint dismissed by the Commission based on a finding that no reasonable grounds exist to believe that unlawful discrimination occurred. While it is anticipated that compliance will mean no additional costs will be incurred for new cases in the future, it is estimated that there may be 17 housing discrimination lawsuits pending on the effective date of this bill that violate the provisions of this bill. Backing away from these pending cases may mean the Commission will be required to pay certain court costs, reasonable attorney's fees and costs to defendants. No estimate of these potential costs can be made at this time.
	The Commission anticipates that the prohibitions in the bill may reduce federal funding it receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.