SB 246

This bill provides that prohibitions of race-based discrimination include

discrimination related to traits historically associated with race, including hair

texture and protective hairstyles. “Protective hairstyle” is defined in the bill to

include braids, locs, and twists.

Under current law, discrimination because of race is prohibited in employment,

housing, education, service as a juror, adoption, and the equal enjoyment of a public

place of accommodation or amusement. This bill prohibits discrimination based on

traits historically associated with race in employment, housing, education, service

as a juror, adoption, and the equal enjoyment of a public place of accommodation or

amusement.

Current law also prohibits motor carriers, automobile insurers, mortgage

bankers, mortgage loan originators, mortgage brokers, and real estate brokers and

salespersons from discriminating against a person on the basis of race; prohibits

discrimination based on race in the provision of vocational rehabilitation or mental

health services; and prohibits the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents

from investing gifts, grants, and bequests in companies that practice discrimination

on the basis of race. This bill prohibits discrimination based on traits historically

associated with race in these areas.