Opinion ID: 889247
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The 2007 amendments to the MHRA

Text: ¶ 28 In 2007, the Montana Legislature enacted House Bill 76 (HB 76) to amend the MHRA and specifically address the confusion courts and attorneys expressed regarding when and how a complaint alleging discrimination could be brought to district courts in light of the exclusive remedy provision of the MHRA. See Mont. H. Bus. & Lab. Comm., Minutes on the Hearing on HB 76, 60th Leg., Reg. Sess. 3 (Jan. 12, 2007). During both the House and Senate hearings, the sponsor of HB 76, Rep. Walter McNutt, clearly expressed that the intent of the 2007 amendments was to clarify the procedures. Id. Germane to this case are the amendments clarifying how a case that is initially brought to the HRB can, ultimately, proceed to the district court for a trial on the merits. Sections 49-2-504, -511 and -512, MCA (2007), contain the significant procedures. ¶ 29 Section 49-2-504(7)(b), MCA. The 2007 Legislature added new subsection (7)(b) to the then-existing § 49-2-504, MCA: (7)(b) If the department finds that there is no reasonable cause to believe that unlawful discrimination occurred, it shall issue a notice of dismissal and dismiss the case from the department's administrative process. After receipt of a notice of dismissal, a charging party may: (i) continue the administrative process by filing objections with the commission as provided in 49-2-511; or (ii) discontinue the administrative process and commence proceedings in district court as provided in 49-2-511. (Emphasis added.) ¶ 30 Section 49-2-509, MCA. This section was repealed in 2007. Prior to 2007, subsection (7) contained the exclusivity provision that we interpreted in Saucier, ¶¶ 43-44, Vettel-Becker v. Deaconess Med. Ctr. of Billings, Inc., 2008 MT 51, ¶¶ 31-34, 341 Mont. 435, 177 P.3d 1034, and Edwards, ¶¶ 69-75. ¶ 31 Section 49-2-511, MCA. This section was added as a new section in 2007. Relevant to this case is subsection (3)(a), which states: Dismissal after informal proceedings filing of objectionsproceduresaction in district court. . . . (3)(a) Within 90 days after the department has issued a notice of dismissal pursuant to 49-2-501(5) or 49-2-504(7)(b) or within 90 days after the commission has issued an order affirming the department's notice of dismissal pursuant to subsection (2)(b) of this section, the charging party may commence a civil action for appropriate relief on the merits of the case in the district court in the district in which the alleged violation occurred. If the charging party fails to commence the civil action in the district court within 90 days after the final agency decision has been issued, the claim is barred. The court may provide the same relief as described in 49-2-506. In addition, the court may in its discretion allow the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees and costs. (Emphasis added.) ¶ 32 Section 49-2-512, MCA. This section became a stand-alone section in 2007. While subsection (1) contains the same exclusivity provision previously codified as § 49-2-509(7), MCA, subsections (2) and (3) were added: Filing in district courtcompliance with administrative procedures required. (1) The provisions of this chapter establish the exclusive remedy for acts constituting an alleged violation of chapter 3 or this chapter, including acts that may otherwise also constitute a violation of the discrimination provisions of Article II, section 4, of the Montana constitution or 49-1-102. A claim or request for relief based upon the acts may not be entertained by a district court other than by the procedures specified in this chapter. (2) In addition to dismissal under 49-2-501(5) or 49-2-504(7)(b), the department shall dismiss a complaint if: (a) the charging party fails to keep the department advised of changes of address and the department finds that the failure has impeded the administrative proceedings; or (b) a period of 12 months has elapsed from the filing of a complaint and neither the department nor the commission has held a hearing pursuant to 49-2-505 or an informal hearing pursuant to 49-2-511. However, the department or the commission may refuse to dismiss a complaint under this subsection (2)(b) if: (i) more than 30 days have elapsed since service of notice of hearing under 49-2-505; (ii) the parties have stipulated to a reasonable extension of the timeframes; or (iii) through litigation a party has unsuccessfully sought to prevent the department or the commission from conducting administrative proceedings on the complaint. (3) Within 90 days after the department has issued a notice of dismissal pursuant to subsection (2), the charging party may commence a civil action for appropriate relief on the merits of the case in the district court in the district in which the alleged violation occurred. If the charging party fails to commence the civil action in the district court within 90 days after the dismissal has been issued, the claim is barred. The court may provide the same relief as described in 49-2-506. In addition, the court may in its discretion allow the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees and costs. (Emphasis added.)