Minn. Stat. § 363A § 363A.05
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
Operative Text
Subdivision 1.Creation; commissioner. There is established a Department of Human Rights under the direction and supervision of a commissioner who shall be appointed by the governor under the provisions of section 15.06. Subd. 2.Deputy commissioner, duties. There shall be in the department a deputy commissioner, who shall be appointed by the commissioner and shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner. The deputy commissioner shall act for, and exercise the powers of the commissioner during the absence or disability of the commissioner or in the event of a vacancy in the office of commissioner. The deputy commissioner shall perform such functions, powers and duties as the commissioner shall prescribe from time to time. Subd. 3.Task force, membership, appeals. The commissioner may appoint a Human Rights Advisory Task Force. Subd. 4.Terms; compensation; removal; vacancies. The expiration, membership terms, compensation, removal of members, and filling of vacancies on the task force shall be as provided in section 15.059. Subd. 5.Departmental organization. Subject to other provisions of this chapter, the commissioner shall have the powers granted by section 15.06 to organize the department. Subd. 6.Continuity in operations. In exercising the functions, powers and duties conferred on and transferred to the commissioner by Laws 1967, chapter 897, the commissioner shall give full consideration to the need for operational continuity of the functions transferred. Subd. 7.Successor agency. The Department of Human Rights under the control of the commissioner of human rights is the successor of the State Commission Against Discrimination as it existed immediately prior to July 1, 1967.
Minn. Stat. § 363A.05 establishes the Minnesota Department of Human Rights as a state agency led by a governor-appointed commissioner, supported by a deputy commissioner and an optional advisory task force. The department is the legal successor to the former State Commission Against Discrimination, carrying forward its functions with an emphasis on operational continuity. The provision sets out the basic governance structure — including appointment, duties, and vacancy procedures — that governs how the agency operates.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Minn. Stat. § 363A.05, the Department of Human Rights is the state body responsible for administering and enforcing Minnesota's human rights laws, including those that apply to housing and rental practices. Operators who receive complaints or inquiries from the department generally respond promptly and maintain documentation of their policies and practices. Understanding that this agency has broad organizational authority helps property owners recognize the institutional weight behind any enforcement action it may initiate.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minn. Stat. § 363A.05 establishes the Minnesota Department of Human Rights as the agency empowered to receive and investigate complaints related to discrimination, including in housing. Tenants who believe their rights under Minnesota's Human Rights Act have been violated may consider filing a complaint directly with the Department of Human Rights or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance. The department's deputy commissioner and advisory task force structure described in this provision reflects the agency's capacity to handle a range of civil rights matters.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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