HB18 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

To make it unlawful for a person to deny an individual full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations based upon the individual's weight or body size; to make it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an applicant or employee based upon the applicant or employee's weight or body size; and to create a state cause of action against an employer who does so.

Summary

HB18 would ban weight- or body size-based discrimination in Alabama public accommodations and employment, creating a private right of action against employers who discriminate.

What This Bill Does

It makes it unlawful to deny someone full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations because of their weight or body size. It also prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants or employees for the same reason and creates a private civil action for these violations. The bill defines public accommodations broadly, outlines available remedies (including compliance, back wages, and liquidated damages for willful discrimination), and takes effect on October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who use public places or services (customers) and could be denied access or equal service due to weight or body size.
• Employers, job applicants, and employees who could face weight- or body size-based discrimination and may pursue private lawsuits for violations.

Key Provisions

• Section 3: Prohibits denying full and equal enjoyment of goods, services, facilities, and accommodations at places of public accommodation based on weight or body size; defines 'place of public accommodation'.
• Section 4: Prohibits employers from failing to hire, promote, or discharge someone or from discriminating in pay or terms of employment because of weight or body size; prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose discriminatory practices or participate in investigations.
• Section 5: Establishes a private right of action for individuals whose rights are violated; allows courts to order compliance, compensate lost wages/benefits, and, if willful, award liquidated damages; restricts fees/costs against plaintiffs and permits attorney fees to prevailing parties.
• Section 6: Severability; Section 7: Effective date of October 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Discrimination & Civil Protections