Minn. committee hears debate over bill to bar state databases of protected speech

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A House committee on Thursday heard debate over House File 768, a bill from Vice Chair Representative Hudson that would prohibit the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining a database of constitutionally protected speech.

Hudson told the committee the bill "reaffirms that protected speech cannot be monitored or tracked by the government" and that it is intended to "reinforce our constitutional rights, prevent government overreach, and maintain fair and effective anti-discrimination efforts." The committee adopted an author's amendment, A4, to remove a portion of the bill the sponsor said was not part of her intent.

Supporters framed the bill as a safeguard for First Amendment rights. "No Minnesotan should have to worry that their words, whether in a debate, a classroom or a simple conversation, might be catalogued by the state," said Rhianna Lee, legislative and coalitions director for Americans for…