1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to state government; establishing a biennial budget for the Department of​ 
1.3 	Labor and Industry, Department of Employment and Economic Development,​ 
1.4 	Bureau of Mediation Services, Public Employment Relations Board, Workers'​ 
1.5 	Compensation Court of Appeals, and Explore Minnesota; making economic​ 
1.6 	development, labor, and workforce development policy changes; authorizing​ 
1.7 	rulemaking; requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 
1.8 	2022, sections 13.43, subdivision 6; 116J.5492, subdivisions 8, 10; 116J.55, 
1.9 	subdivisions 1, 5, 6; 116J.871, subdivisions 1, 2; 116J.8748, subdivisions 3, 4, 6, 
1.10 	by adding a subdivision; 116J.9924, subdivision 4; 116L.361, subdivision 7; 
1.11 	116L.362, subdivision 1; 116L.364, subdivision 3; 116L.365, subdivision 1; 
1.12 	116L.56, subdivision 2; 116L.561, subdivision 5; 116L.562, subdivision 2; 175.16, 
1.13 	subdivision 1; 177.26, subdivisions 1, 2; 177.27, subdivisions 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10; 
1.14 	178.01; 178.011, subdivision 7; 178.03, subdivision 1; 178.11; 179.86, subdivisions 
1.15 	1, 3, by adding subdivisions; 179A.041, by adding a subdivision; 181.14, 
1.16 	subdivision 1; 181.171, subdivision 4; 181.635, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; 181.85, 
1.17 	subdivisions 2, 4; 181.86, subdivision 1; 181.87, subdivisions 2, 3, 7; 181.88; 
1.18 	181.89, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 181.9435, subdivision 1; 181.9436; 
1.19 	182.654, subdivision 11; 182.666, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, by adding a 
1.20 	subdivision; 268.035, subdivision 20; 268A.15, by adding a subdivision; 326B.092, 
1.21 	subdivision 6; 326B.096; 326B.103, subdivision 13, by adding subdivisions; 
1.22 	326B.106, subdivisions 1, 4, by adding a subdivision; 326B.802, subdivision 15; 
1.23 	341.21, subdivisions 2a, 2b, 2c, 4f, 7, by adding a subdivision; 341.221; 341.25; 
1.24 	341.27; 341.28, subdivisions 2, 3, by adding subdivisions; 341.30, subdivision 4; 
1.25 	341.32, subdivision 2; 341.321; 341.33; 341.355; 357.021, subdivision 1a; 469.40, 
1.26 	subdivision 11; 469.47, subdivisions 1, 5; 517.08, subdivision 1c; proposing coding 
1.27 	for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 13; 116J; 116L; 179; 181; 182; 341; 
1.28 	repealing Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 116J.9924, subdivision 6; 177.26, 
1.29 	subdivision 3; Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 7, article 2, section 8, as 
1.30 	amended.
1.31 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.32 	ARTICLE 1
1.33 	APPROPRIATIONS; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1.34	Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.
 	
2.1 	(a) The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the 
2.2 	agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the 
2.3 	general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for 
2.4 	each purpose. The figures "2024" and "2025" used in this article mean that the appropriations 
2.5 	listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025, 
2.6 	respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2024. "The second year" is fiscal year 2025. "The 
2.7 	biennium" is fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
2.8 	(b) If an appropriation in this article is enacted more than once in the 2023 regular or 
2.9 	special legislative session, the appropriation must be given effect only once.

2.10				APPROPRIATIONS
	
2.11				Available for the Year
	
2.12				Ending June 30
	
2.13					2024
		2025

2.14
2.15	Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT 
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2.16	Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
 	$
	881,351,000
	$
	302,449,000

2.17	Appropriations by Fund
	
2.18		2024
	2025
	
2.19	General
	855,586,000
	277,384,000
	
2.20	Remediation
	700,000
	700,000
	
2.21
2.22	Workforce 
Development
	25,065,000
	24,365,000
	
2.23 	The amounts that may be spent for each 
2.24 	purpose are specified in the following 
2.25 	subdivisions.

2.26	Subd. 2.Business and Community Development
 		705,290,000
		136,488,000

2.27	Appropriations by Fund
	
2.28	General
	703,240,000
	134,438,000
	
2.29	Remediation
	700,000
	700,000
	
2.30
2.31	Workforce 
Development
	1,350,000
	1,350,000
	
2.32 	(a) $1,787,000 each year is for the greater 
2.33 	Minnesota business development public 
2.34 	infrastructure grant program under Minnesota 
3.1 	Statutes, section 116J.431. This appropriation 
3.2 	is available until June 30, 2027.
3.3 	(b) $6,425,000 each year is for the small 
3.4 	business partnership program under Minnesota 
3.5 	Statutes, section 116J.8746. In fiscal year 2026 
3.6 	and beyond, the base amount is $4,679,000.
3.7 	(c) $1,772,000 each year is for contaminated 
3.8 	site cleanup and development grants under 
3.9 	Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.551 to 
3.10 	116J.558. This appropriation is available until 
3.11 	expended.
3.12 	(d) $700,000 each year is from the remediation 
3.13 	fund for contaminated site cleanup and 
3.14 	development grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
3.15 	sections 116J.551 to 116J.558. This 
3.16 	appropriation is available until expended.
3.17 	(e) $389,000 each year is for the Center for 
3.18 	Rural Policy and Development. In fiscal year 
3.19 	2026 and beyond, the base amount is 
3.20 	$139,000.
3.21 	(f) $25,000 each year is for the administration 
3.22 	of state aid for the Destination Medical Center 
3.23 	under Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.40 to 
3.24 	469.47.
3.25 	(g) $875,000 each year is for the host 
3.26 	community economic development program 
3.27 	established in Minnesota Statutes, section 
3.28 	116J.548.
3.29 	(h)(1) $6,500,000 each year is for grants to 
3.30 	local communities to increase the number of 
3.31 	quality child care providers to support 
3.32 	economic development. This appropriation is 
3.33 	available through June 30, 2025. Beginning 
3.34 	in fiscal year 2026, the base amount is 
4.1 	$1,500,000. Fifty percent of grant funds must 
4.2 	go to communities located outside the 
4.3 	seven-county metropolitan area as defined in 
4.4 	Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, 
4.5 	subdivision 2.
4.6 	(2) Grant recipients must obtain a 50 percent 
4.7 	nonstate match to grant funds in either cash 
4.8 	or in-kind contribution, unless the 
4.9 	commissioner waives the requirement. Grant 
4.10 	funds available under this subdivision must 
4.11 	be used to implement projects to reduce the 
4.12 	child care shortage in the state, including but 
4.13 	not limited to funding for child care business 
4.14 	start-ups or expansion, training, facility 
4.15 	modifications, direct subsidies or incentives 
4.16 	to retain employees, or improvements required 
4.17 	for licensing and assistance with licensing and 
4.18 	other regulatory requirements. In awarding 
4.19 	grants, the commissioner must give priority 
4.20 	to communities that have demonstrated a 
4.21 	shortage of child care providers.
4.22 	(3) Within one year of receiving grant funds, 
4.23 	grant recipients must report to the 
4.24 	commissioner on the outcomes of the grant 
4.25 	program, including but not limited to the 
4.26 	number of new providers, the number of 
4.27 	additional child care provider jobs created, the 
4.28 	number of additional child care slots, and the 
4.29 	amount of cash and in-kind local funds 
4.30 	invested. Within one month of all grant 
4.31 	recipients reporting on program outcomes, the 
4.32 	commissioner must report the grant recipients' 
4.33 	outcomes to the chairs and ranking minority 
4.34 	members of the legislative committees with 
5.1 	jurisdiction over early learning, child care, and 
5.2 	economic development.
5.3 	(i) $3,500,000 each year is for a grant to the 
5.4 	Minnesota Initiative Foundations. This 
5.5 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2027. 
5.6 	Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the base amount 
5.7 	is $1,000,000. The Minnesota Initiative 
5.8 	Foundations must use grant funds under this 
5.9 	section to:
5.10 	(1) facilitate planning processes for rural 
5.11 	communities resulting in a community solution 
5.12 	action plan that guides decision making to 
5.13 	sustain and increase the supply of quality child 
5.14 	care in the region to support economic 
5.15 	development;
5.16 	(2) engage the private sector to invest local 
5.17 	resources to support the community solution 
5.18 	action plan and ensure quality child care is a 
5.19 	vital component of additional regional 
5.20 	economic development planning processes;
5.21 	(3) provide locally based training and technical 
5.22 	assistance to rural child care business owners 
5.23 	individually or through a learning cohort. 
5.24 	Access to financial and business development 
5.25 	assistance must prepare child care businesses 
5.26 	for quality engagement and improvement by 
5.27 	stabilizing operations, leveraging funding from 
5.28 	other sources, and fostering business acumen 
5.29 	that allows child care businesses to plan for 
5.30 	and afford the cost of providing quality child 
5.31 	care; and
5.32 	(4) recruit child care programs to participate 
5.33 	in quality rating and improvement 
5.34 	measurement programs. The Minnesota 
6.1 	Initiative Foundations must work with local 
6.2 	partners to provide low-cost training, 
6.3 	professional development opportunities, and 
6.4 	continuing education curricula. The Minnesota 
6.5 	Initiative Foundations must fund, through local 
6.6 	partners, an enhanced level of coaching to 
6.7 	rural child care providers to obtain a quality 
6.8 	rating through measurement programs.
6.9 	(j) $8,000,000 each year is for the Minnesota 
6.10 	job creation fund under Minnesota Statutes, 
6.11 	section 116J.8748. Of this amount, the 
6.12 	commissioner of employment and economic 
6.13 	development may use up to three percent for 
6.14 	administrative expenses. This appropriation 
6.15 	is available until expended.
6.16 	(k) $12,370,000 each year is for the Minnesota 
6.17 	investment fund under Minnesota Statutes, 
6.18 	section 116J.8731. Of this amount, the 
6.19 	commissioner of employment and economic 
6.20 	development may use up to three percent for 
6.21 	administration and monitoring of the program. 
6.22 	This appropriation is available until expended. 
6.23 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
6.24 	116J.8731, money appropriated to the 
6.25 	commissioner for the Minnesota investment 
6.26 	fund may be used for the redevelopment 
6.27 	program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 
6.28 	116J.575 and 116J.5761, at the discretion of 
6.29 	the commissioner. Grants under this paragraph 
6.30 	are not subject to the grant amount limitation 
6.31 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8731.
6.32 	(l) $2,246,000 each year is for the 
6.33 	redevelopment program under Minnesota 
6.34 	Statutes, sections 116J.575 and 116J.5761.
7.1 	(m) $1,000,000 each year is for the Minnesota 
7.2 	emerging entrepreneur loan program under 
7.3 	Minnesota Statutes, section 116M.18. Funds 
7.4 	available under this paragraph are for transfer 
7.5 	into the emerging entrepreneur program 
7.6 	special revenue fund account created under 
7.7 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116M, and are 
7.8 	available until expended. Of this amount, up 
7.9 	to four percent is for administration and 
7.10 	monitoring of the program.
7.11 	(n) $325,000 each year is for the Minnesota 
7.12 	Film and TV Board. The appropriation each 
7.13 	year is available only upon receipt by the 
7.14 	board of $1 in matching contributions of 
7.15 	money or in-kind contributions from nonstate 
7.16 	sources for every $3 provided by this 
7.17 	appropriation, except that each year up to 
7.18 	$50,000 is available on July 1 even if the 
7.19 	required matching contribution has not been 
7.20 	received by that date.
7.21 	(o) $12,000 each year is for a grant to the 
7.22 	Upper Minnesota Film Office.
7.23 	(p) $500,000 each year is for a grant to the 
7.24 	Minnesota Film and TV Board for the film 
7.25 	production jobs program under Minnesota 
7.26 	Statutes, section 116U.26. This appropriation 
7.27 	is available until June 30, 2027.
7.28 	(q) $4,195,000 each year is for the Minnesota 
7.29 	job skills partnership program under 
7.30 	Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.01 to 
7.31 	116L.17. If the appropriation for either year 
7.32 	is insufficient, the appropriation for the other 
7.33 	year is available. This appropriation is 
7.34 	available until expended.
8.1 	(r) $1,350,000 each year from the workforce 
8.2 	development fund is for jobs training grants 
8.3 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.41.
8.4 	(s) $2,500,000 each year is for Launch 
8.5 	Minnesota. This appropriation is available 
8.6 	until June 30, 2027. The base in fiscal year 
8.7 	2026 is $0. Of this amount:
8.8 	(1) $1,500,000 each year is for innovation 
8.9 	grants to eligible Minnesota entrepreneurs or 
8.10 	start-up businesses to assist with their 
8.11 	operating needs;
8.12 	(2) $500,000 each year is for administration 
8.13 	of Launch Minnesota; and
8.14 	(3) $500,000 each year is for grantee activities 
8.15 	at Launch Minnesota.
8.16 	(t) $250,000 each year is for the publication, 
8.17 	dissemination, and use of labor market 
8.18 	information under Minnesota Statutes, section 
8.19 	116J.401.
8.20 	(u) $500,000 each year is for the airport 
8.21 	infrastructure renewal (AIR) grant program 
8.22 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.439. 
8.23 	In awarding grants with this appropriation, the 
8.24 	commissioner must prioritize eligible 
8.25 	applicants that did not receive a grant pursuant 
8.26 	to the appropriation in Laws 2019, First 
8.27 	Special Session chapter 7, article 1, section 2, 
8.28 	subdivision 2, paragraph (q).
8.29 	(v) $350,000 each year is for administration 
8.30 	of the community energy transition office.
8.31 	(w) $5,000,000 each year is for the community 
8.32 	energy transition grant program under 
8.33 	Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.55. This is 
9.1 	a onetime appropriation and is available until 
9.2 	expended.
9.3 	(x) $500,000,000 in the first year is for 
9.4 	providing businesses with matching funds 
9.5 	required by federal programs. This 
9.6 	appropriation is available until spent. Of this 
9.7 	amount:
9.8 	(1) $100,000,000 is to match no less than 
9.9 	$100,000,000 in federal funds provided by 
9.10 	Public Law 117-328 to establish a campus for 
9.11 	biomanufacturing pilot-scale testing and 
9.12 	commercialization, including site acquisition 
9.13 	and development;
9.14 	(2) $100,000,000 is to match no less than 
9.15 	$100,000,000 in federal funds provided by 
9.16 	Public Law 117-328 for economic 
9.17 	development projects that expand Minnesota's 
9.18 	economy and job creation; and
9.19 	(3) $300,000,000 is to match no less than 
9.20 	$300,000,000 in federal funds provided by 
9.21 	Public Law 117-167 for microelectronic 
9.22 	manufacturing facilities and workforce 
9.23 	development.
9.24 	(y) $1,250,000 each year is to hire, train, and 
9.25 	deploy small business navigators in 
9.26 	communities and locations throughout the state 
9.27 	to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs, 
9.28 	especially historically underserved small 
9.29 	businesses and entrepreneurs, in accessing 
9.30 	state, federal, local, and private small business 
9.31 	assistance programs. Of this amount, $500,000 
9.32 	must be used to improve the agency's digital 
9.33 	navigation and information services for small 
9.34 	businesses and entrepreneurs. In fiscal year 
10.1 	2026 and beyond, the base amount is 
10.2 	$1,000,000.
10.3 	(z) $500,000 each year is for the Office of 
10.4 	Child Care Community Partnerships. Of this 
10.5 	amount:
10.6 	(1) $450,000 each year is for administration 
10.7 	of the Office of Child Care Community 
10.8 	Partnerships; and
10.9 	(2) $50,000 each year is for the Labor Market 
10.10 	Information Office to conduct research and 
10.11 	analysis related to the child care industry.
10.12 	(aa) $5,000,000 in the first year is for a grant 
10.13 	to the Bloomington Port Authority to provide 
10.14 	funding for the Expo 2027 host organization. 
10.15 	The Bloomington Port Authority must enter 
10.16 	into an agreement with the host organization 
10.17 	over the use of funds, which may be used for 
10.18 	activities, including but not limited to 
10.19 	finalizing the community dossier and staffing 
10.20 	the host organization as well as infrastructure 
10.21 	design and planning, financial modeling, 
10.22 	development planning and coordination of 
10.23 	both real estate and public private partnerships, 
10.24 	and reimbursement of the Bloomington Port 
10.25 	Authority for costs incurred. In selecting 
10.26 	vendors and exhibitors for Expo 2027, the host 
10.27 	organization shall prioritize outreach to, 
10.28 	collaboration with, and inclusion of businesses 
10.29 	that are majority owned by people of color, 
10.30 	women, and people with disabilities. The host 
10.31 	organization and the Bloomington Port 
10.32 	Authority may be reimbursed for expenses 90 
10.33 	days prior to encumbrance. This appropriation 
10.34 	is contingent on approval of the project by the 
10.35 	Bureau International des Expositions.
11.1 	(bb) $500,000 each year is for grants to small 
11.2 	business development centers under Minnesota 
11.3 	Statutes, section 116J.68. Money made 
11.4 	available under this paragraph may be used to 
11.5 	match funds under the federal Small Business 
11.6 	Development Center (SBDC) program under 
11.7 	United States Code, title 15, section 648, to 
11.8 	provide consulting and technical services or 
11.9 	to build additional SBDC network capacity to 
11.10 	serve entrepreneurs and small businesses.
11.11 	(cc) $1,500,000 each year is for deposit in the 
11.12 	community wealth-building account in the 
11.13 	special revenue fund. Of this amount, up to 
11.14 	five percent is for administration and 
11.15 	monitoring of the community wealth-building 
11.16 	grant program under Minnesota Statutes, 
11.17 	section 116J.9925.
11.18 	(dd) $4,000,000 in the first year and 
11.19 	$1,000,000 in the second year are for grants 
11.20 	to the Neighborhood Development Center. 
11.21 	This is a onetime appropriation. Of these 
11.22 	amounts:
11.23 	(1) $750,000 each year is for small business 
11.24 	programs, including training, lending, business 
11.25 	services, and real estate programming;
11.26 	(2) $250,000 each year is for technical 
11.27 	assistance activities for partners located 
11.28 	outside the seven-county metropolitan area, 
11.29 	as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 
11.30 	473.121, subdivision 2;
11.31 	(3) $1,000,000 in the first year is for 
11.32 	development of permanently affordable, 
11.33 	concentrated commercial space and 
11.34 	wraparound business services outside the 
12.1 	seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in 
12.2 	Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, 
12.3 	subdivision 2; and
12.4 	(4) $2,000,000 in the first year is for high-risk, 
12.5 	character-based loan capital for nonrecourse 
12.6 	loans to be used to leverage at least 
12.7 	$10,000,000 in recourse lending capital.
12.8 	(ee)(1) $5,500,000 in the first year is for a 
12.9 	grant to the Center for Economic Inclusion for 
12.10 	strategic, data-informed investments in job 
12.11 	creation strategies that respond to the needs 
12.12 	of underserved populations statewide. This 
12.13 	may include pay-for-performance contracts 
12.14 	with nonprofit organizations to provide 
12.15 	outreach, training, and support services for 
12.16 	dislocated and chronically underemployed 
12.17 	people, as well as forgivable loans, 
12.18 	revenue-based financing, and equity 
12.19 	investments for entrepreneurs with barriers to 
12.20 	growth. Of this amount, up to ten percent may 
12.21 	be used for the center's technical assistance 
12.22 	and administrative costs. This appropriation 
12.23 	is available until June 30, 2025.
12.24 	(2) By January 15, 2026, the Center for 
12.25 	Economic Inclusion shall submit a report on 
12.26 	the use of grant funds, including any loans 
12.27 	made, to the legislative committees with 
12.28 	jurisdiction over economic development.
12.29 	(ff) $4,000,000 in the first year is for the 
12.30 	Canadian border counties economic relief 
12.31 	program. Of this amount, $1,000,000 is for 
12.32 	Tribal economic development. This 
12.33 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2025.
13.1 	(gg) $10,000,000 in the first year is for the 
13.2 	targeted community capital project grant 
13.3 	program under Minnesota Statutes, section 
13.4 	116J.9924.
13.5 	(hh) $13,550,000 in the first year is for deposit 
13.6 	in the emerging developer fund account in the 
13.7 	special revenue fund. Of this amount, up to 
13.8 	five percent is for the administration and 
13.9 	monitoring of the emerging developer fund 
13.10 	program under Minnesota Statutes, section 
13.11 	116J.9926.
13.12 	(ii) $2,000,000 in the first year is for a grant 
13.13 	to African Economic Development Solutions 
13.14 	for a loan fund that must address pervasive 
13.15 	economic inequities by supporting business 
13.16 	ventures of entrepreneurs in the African 
13.17 	immigrant community. This appropriation is 
13.18 	available until June 30, 2026.
13.19 	(jj) $500,000 each year is for grants to 
13.20 	Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., to directly invest 
13.21 	in Minnesota manufacturers for the small 
13.22 	business growth acceleration program under 
13.23 	Minnesota Statutes, section 116O.115. This 
13.24 	is a onetime appropriation.
13.25 	(kk)(1) $1,500,000 each year is for grants to 
13.26 	MNSBIR, Inc., to support moving scientific 
13.27 	excellence and technological innovation from 
13.28 	the lab to the market for start-ups and small 
13.29 	businesses by securing federal research and 
13.30 	development funding. The purpose of the grant 
13.31 	is to build a strong Minnesota economy and 
13.32 	stimulate the creation of novel products, 
13.33 	services, and solutions in the private sector; 
13.34 	strengthen the role of small business in 
13.35 	meeting federal research and development 
14.1 	needs; increase the commercial application of 
14.2 	federally supported research results; and 
14.3 	develop and increase the Minnesota 
14.4 	workforce, especially by fostering and 
14.5 	encouraging participation by small businesses 
14.6 	owned by women and people who are Black, 
14.7 	Indigenous, or people of color. This is a 
14.8 	onetime appropriation.
14.9 	(2) MNSBIR, Inc., shall use the grant money 
14.10 	to be the dedicated resource for federal 
14.11 	research and development for small businesses 
14.12 	of up to 500 employees statewide to support 
14.13 	research and commercialization of novel ideas, 
14.14 	concepts, and projects into cutting-edge 
14.15 	products and services for worldwide economic 
14.16 	impact. MNSBIR, Inc., shall use grant money 
14.17 	to:
14.18 	(i) assist small businesses in securing federal 
14.19 	research and development funding, including 
14.20 	the Small Business Innovation Research and 
14.21 	Small Business Technology Transfer programs 
14.22 	and other federal research and development 
14.23 	funding opportunities;
14.24 	(ii) support technology transfer and 
14.25 	commercialization from the University of 
14.26 	Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, and federal 
14.27 	laboratories;
14.28 	(iii) partner with large businesses;
14.29 	(iv) conduct statewide outreach, education, 
14.30 	and training on federal rules, regulations, and 
14.31 	requirements;
14.32 	(v) assist with scientific and technical writing;
14.33 	(vi) help manage federal grants and contracts; 
14.34 	and
15.1 	(vii) support cost accounting and sole-source 
15.2 	procurement opportunities.
15.3 	(ll) $2,000,000 in the first year is for a grant 
15.4 	to African Career, Education, and Resource, 
15.5 	Inc., for operational infrastructure and 
15.6 	technical assistance to small businesses. This 
15.7 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2025.
15.8 	(mm) $4,000,000 in the first year is for a grant 
15.9 	to the African Development Center to provide 
15.10 	loans to purchase commercial real estate and 
15.11 	to expand organizational infrastructure. This 
15.12 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2025. 
15.13 	Of this amount:
15.14 	(1) $2,800,000 is for loans to purchase 
15.15 	commercial real estate targeted at African 
15.16 	immigrant small business owners;
15.17 	(2) $364,000 is for loan loss reserves to 
15.18 	support loan volume growth and attract 
15.19 	additional capital; and
15.20 	(3) $836,000 is for increasing organizational 
15.21 	capacity.
15.22 	(nn)(1) $375,000 each year is for grants to 
15.23 	PFund Foundation to provide grants to 
15.24 	LGBTQ+-owned small businesses and 
15.25 	entrepreneurs. Of this amount, up to ten 
15.26 	percent may be used for PFund Foundation's 
15.27 	technical assistance and administrative costs. 
15.28 	This appropriation is onetime and is available 
15.29 	until June 30, 2026. To the extent practicable, 
15.30 	money must be distributed by PFund 
15.31 	Foundation as follows:
15.32 	(i) at least 33.3 percent to racial 
15.33 	minority-owned businesses; and
16.1 	(ii) at least 33.3 percent to businesses outside 
16.2 	of the seven-county metropolitan area as 
16.3 	defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 
16.4 	473.121, subdivision 2.
16.5 	(oo) $125,000 each year is for grants to 
16.6 	Quorum to provide business support, training, 
16.7 	development, technical assistance, and related 
16.8 	activities for LGBTQ+-owned small 
16.9 	businesses that are recipients of a PFund 
16.10 	Foundation grant. Of this amount, up to ten 
16.11 	percent may be used for Quorum's technical 
16.12 	assistance and administrative costs. This 
16.13 	appropriation is onetime and is available until 
16.14 	June 30, 2026.
16.15 	(pp) $6,000,000 in the first year is for grants 
16.16 	to the Minnesota initiative foundations to 
16.17 	capitalize their revolving loan funds, which 
16.18 	address unmet financing needs of for-profit 
16.19 	business start-ups, expansions, and ownership 
16.20 	transitions; nonprofit organizations; and 
16.21 	developers of housing to support the 
16.22 	construction, rehabilitation, and conversion 
16.23 	of housing units. Of this amount:
16.24 	(1) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Southwest 
16.25 	Initiative Foundation;
16.26 	(2) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the West 
16.27 	Central Initiative Foundation;
16.28 	(3) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Southern 
16.29 	Minnesota Initiative Foundation;
16.30 	(4) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Northwest 
16.31 	Minnesota Foundation;
16.32 	(5) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Initiative 
16.33 	Foundation; and
17.1 	(6) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Northland 
17.2 	Foundation.
17.3 	(qq) $627,000 in the first year is for a grant to 
17.4 	Community and Economic Development 
17.5 	Associates (CEDA) to provide funding for 
17.6 	economic development technical assistance 
17.7 	and economic development project grants to 
17.8 	small communities across rural Minnesota and 
17.9 	for CEDA to design, implement, market, and 
17.10 	administer specific types of basic community 
17.11 	and economic development programs tailored 
17.12 	to individual community needs. Technical 
17.13 	assistance grants shall be based on need and 
17.14 	given to communities that are otherwise 
17.15 	unable to afford these services. Of this amount, 
17.16 	up to $270,000 may be used for economic 
17.17 	development project implementation in 
17.18 	conjunction with the technical assistance 
17.19 	received.
17.20 	(rr) $3,000,000 in the first year is for a grant 
17.21 	to the Latino Economic Development Center. 
17.22 	This appropriation is available until June 30, 
17.23 	2025. Of this amount:
17.24 	(1) $1,500,000 is to assist, support, finance, 
17.25 	and launch microentrepreneurs by delivering 
17.26 	training, workshops, and one-on-one 
17.27 	consultations to businesses; and
17.28 	(2) $1,500,000 is to guide prospective 
17.29 	entrepreneurs in their start-up process by 
17.30 	introducing them to key business concepts, 
17.31 	including business start-up readiness. Grant 
17.32 	proceeds must be used to offer workshops on 
17.33 	a variety of topics throughout the year, 
17.34 	including finance, customer service, 
17.35 	food-handler training, and food-safety 
18.1 	certification. Grant proceeds may also be used 
18.2 	to provide lending to business startups.
18.3 	(ss)(1) $125,000 each year is for grants to the 
18.4 	Latino Chamber of Commerce Minnesota to 
18.5 	support the growth and expansion of small 
18.6 	businesses statewide. Funds may be used for 
18.7 	the cost of programming, outreach, staffing, 
18.8 	and supplies. This is a onetime appropriation.
18.9 	(2) By January 15, 2026, the Latino Chamber 
18.10 	of Commerce Minnesota must submit a report 
18.11 	to the legislative committees with jurisdiction 
18.12 	over economic development that details the 
18.13 	use of grant funds and the grant's economic 
18.14 	impact.
18.15 	(tt)(1) $7,500,000 in the first year is for a grant 
18.16 	to the Metropolitan Economic Development 
18.17 	Association (MEDA) for statewide business 
18.18 	development and assistance services to 
18.19 	minority-owned businesses. Of this amount:
18.20 	(i) $5,000,000 is for a revolving loan fund to 
18.21 	provide additional minority-owned businesses 
18.22 	with access to capital; and
18.23 	(ii) $2,500,000 is for operating support 
18.24 	activities related to business development and 
18.25 	assistance services for minority business 
18.26 	enterprises.
18.27 	(2) By February 1, 2025, MEDA shall report 
18.28 	to the commissioner and the legislative 
18.29 	committees with jurisdiction over economic 
18.30 	development on the use of grant funds and 
18.31 	grant outcomes.
18.32 	(uu) $175,000 in the first year is for a grant to 
18.33 	the city of South St. Paul for repurposing the 
18.34 	1927 American Legion Memorial Library after 
19.1 	the property is no longer used as a library. This 
19.2 	appropriation is available until the project is 
19.3 	completed or abandoned, subject to Minnesota 
19.4 	Statutes, section 16A.642.
19.5 	(vv) $62,934,000 each year is for the 
19.6 	empowering enterprise program. This is a 
19.7 	onetime appropriation, of which:
19.8 	(1) at least $31,000,000 each year is for a grant 
19.9 	to the city of Minneapolis;
19.10 	(2) $11,000,000 each year is for a grant to the 
19.11 	city of St. Paul;
19.12 	(3) $5,425,000 each year is for a grant to the 
19.13 	Northside Economic Opportunity Network;
19.14 	(4) $5,425,000 each year is for a grant to the 
19.15 	Lake Street Council;
19.16 	(5) $5,425,000 each year is for a grant to the 
19.17 	Midway Chamber of Commerce; and
19.18 	(6) $250,000 each year is for a grant to the 
19.19 	Asian Economic Development Association.
19.20 	(ww) $250,000 in the first year is for a grant 
19.21 	to LatinoLEAD for organizational 
19.22 	capacity-building.
19.23 	(xx) $200,000 in the first year is for a grant to 
19.24 	the Neighborhood Development Center for 
19.25 	small business competitive grants to software 
19.26 	companies working to improve employee 
19.27 	engagement and workplace culture and to 
19.28 	reduce turnover.
19.29 	(yy) $2,000,000 in the first year and 
19.30 	$1,000,000 in the second year are for grants 
19.31 	to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. 
19.32 	This is a onetime appropriation. Of these 
19.33 	amounts:
20.1 	(1) $200,000 in the first year and $100,000 in 
20.2 	the second year are for predevelopment grants 
20.3 	and technical assistance in support of real 
20.4 	estate development in areas negatively affected 
20.5 	by civil unrest; and
20.6 	(2) $1,800,000 in the first year and $900,000 
20.7 	in the second year are for capitalizing a loan 
20.8 	program for the development and construction 
20.9 	of commercial and residential projects in areas 
20.10 	negatively affected by civil unrest. A priority 
20.11 	for use of these funds shall be participants in 
20.12 	programs for emerging developers.
20.13 	(zz) $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is for a 
20.14 	grant to WomenVenture to support child care 
20.15 	providers through business training and shared 
20.16 	services programs and to create materials that 
20.17 	could be used, free of charge, for start-up, 
20.18 	expansion, and operation of child care 
20.19 	businesses statewide, with the goal of helping 
20.20 	new and existing child care businesses in 
20.21 	underserved areas of the state become 
20.22 	profitable and sustainable. The commissioner 
20.23 	shall report data on outcomes and 
20.24 	recommendations for replication of this 
20.25 	training program throughout Minnesota to the 
20.26 	governor and relevant committees of the 
20.27 	legislature by December 15, 2025. This is a 
20.28 	onetime appropriation and is available until 
20.29 	June 20, 2025.

20.30	Subd. 3.Employment and Training Programs
 		102,548,000
		102,448,000

20.31	Appropriations by Fund
	
20.32	General
	86,718,000
	87,318,000
	
20.33
20.34	Workforce 
Development
	15,830,000
	15,130,000
	
21.1 	(a) $500,000 each year from the general fund 
21.2 	and $500,000 each year from the workforce 
21.3 	development fund are for rural career 
21.4 	counseling coordinators in the workforce 
21.5 	service areas and for the purposes specified 
21.6 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.667.
21.7 	(b) $750,000 each year is for the women and 
21.8 	high-wage, high-demand, nontraditional jobs 
21.9 	grant program under Minnesota Statutes, 
21.10 	section 116L.99. Of this amount, up to five 
21.11 	percent is for administration and monitoring 
21.12 	of the program.
21.13 	(c) $2,546,000 each year from the general fund 
21.14 	and $4,604,000 each year from the workforce 
21.15 	development fund are for the pathways to 
21.16 	prosperity competitive grant program. Of this 
21.17 	amount, up to five percent is for administration 
21.18 	and monitoring of the program.
21.19 	(d) $500,000 each year is from the workforce 
21.20 	development fund for current Minnesota 
21.21 	affiliates of OIC of America, Inc. This 
21.22 	appropriation shall be divided equally among 
21.23 	the eligible centers.
21.24 	(e) $1,000,000 each year is for competitive 
21.25 	grants to organizations providing services to 
21.26 	relieve economic disparities in the Southeast 
21.27 	Asian community through workforce 
21.28 	recruitment, development, job creation, 
21.29 	assistance of smaller organizations to increase 
21.30 	capacity, and outreach. Of this amount, up to 
21.31 	five percent is for administration and 
21.32 	monitoring of the program.
21.33 	(f) $1,000,000 each year is for a competitive 
21.34 	grant program to provide grants to 
22.1 	organizations that provide support services for 
22.2 	individuals, such as job training, employment 
22.3 	preparation, internships, job assistance to 
22.4 	parents, financial literacy, academic and 
22.5 	behavioral interventions for low-performing 
22.6 	students, and youth intervention. Grants made 
22.7 	under this section must focus on low-income 
22.8 	communities, young adults from families with 
22.9 	a history of intergenerational poverty, and 
22.10 	communities of color. Of this amount, up to 
22.11 	five percent is for administration and 
22.12 	monitoring of the program.
22.13 	(g) $1,750,000 each year is for a grant to 
22.14 	Propel Nonprofits to provide capacity-building 
22.15 	grants and related technical assistance to small, 
22.16 	culturally specific organizations that primarily 
22.17 	serve historically underserved cultural 
22.18 	communities. Propel Nonprofits may only 
22.19 	award grants to nonprofit organizations that 
22.20 	have an annual organizational budget of less 
22.21 	than $1,000,000. These grants may be used 
22.22 	for:
22.23 	(1) organizational infrastructure 
22.24 	improvements, including developing database 
22.25 	management systems and financial systems, 
22.26 	or other administrative needs that increase the 
22.27 	organization's ability to access new funding 
22.28 	sources;
22.29 	(2) organizational workforce development, 
22.30 	including hiring culturally competent staff, 
22.31 	training and skills development, and other 
22.32 	methods of increasing staff capacity; or
22.33 	(3) creating or expanding partnerships with 
22.34 	existing organizations that have specialized 
22.35 	expertise in order to increase capacity of the 
23.1 	grantee organization to improve services to 
23.2 	the community.
23.3 	Of this amount, up to ten percent may be used 
23.4 	by Propel Nonprofits for administrative costs. 
23.5 	This is a onetime appropriation.
23.6 	(h) $4,102,000 each year from the general fund 
23.7 	and $4,476,000 each year from the workforce 
23.8 	development fund are for the youth-at-work 
23.9 	competitive grant program under Minnesota 
23.10 	Statutes, section 116L.562. Of this amount, 
23.11 	up to five percent is for administration and 
23.12 	monitoring of the youth workforce 
23.13 	development competitive grant program. All 
23.14 	grant awards shall be for two consecutive 
23.15 	years. Grants shall be awarded in the first year. 
23.16 	In fiscal year 2026 and beyond, the base 
23.17 	amount from the general fund is $750,000.
23.18 	(i) $1,093,000 each year from the general fund 
23.19 	and $1,000,000 each year from the workforce 
23.20 	development fund are for the youthbuild 
23.21 	program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 
23.22 	116L.361 to 116L.366. In fiscal year 2026 and 
23.23 	beyond, the base amount from the general fund 
23.24 	is $0.
23.25 	(j) $4,427,000 each year from the general fund 
23.26 	and $4,050,000 each year from the workforce 
23.27 	development fund are for the Minnesota youth 
23.28 	program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 
23.29 	116L.56 and 116L.561. In fiscal year 2026 
23.30 	and beyond, the base amount from the general 
23.31 	fund is $0.
23.32 	(k) $1,000,000 each year is for a grant to the 
23.33 	Minnesota Technology Association to support 
23.34 	the SciTech Internship Program, a program 
24.1 	that supports science, technology, engineering, 
24.2 	and math (STEM) internship opportunities for 
24.3 	two- and four-year college students and 
24.4 	graduate students in their fields of study. The 
24.5 	internship opportunities must match students 
24.6 	with paid internships within STEM disciplines 
24.7 	at small, for-profit companies located in 
24.8 	Minnesota having fewer than 250 employees 
24.9 	worldwide. At least 250 students must be 
24.10 	matched each year. No more than 15 percent 
24.11 	of the hires may be graduate students. Selected 
24.12 	hiring companies shall receive from the grant 
24.13 	50 percent of the wages paid to the intern, 
24.14 	capped at $3,000 per intern. The program must 
24.15 	work toward increasing the participation 
24.16 	among women or other underserved 
24.17 	populations. This is a onetime appropriation.
24.18 	(l) $7,500,000 each year is for the Drive for 
24.19 	Five Initiative to conduct outreach and provide 
24.20 	job skills training, career counseling, case 
24.21 	management, and supportive services for 
24.22 	careers in (1) technology, (2) labor, (3) the 
24.23 	caring professions, (4) manufacturing, and (5) 
24.24 	educational and professional services. These 
24.25 	are onetime appropriations.
24.26 	(m) Of the amounts appropriated in paragraph 
24.27 	(l), the commissioner must make $5,000,000 
24.28 	each year available through a competitive 
24.29 	request for proposal process. The grant awards 
24.30 	must be used to provide education and training 
24.31 	in the five industries identified in paragraph 
24.32 	(l). Education and training may include:
24.33 	(1) student tutoring and testing support 
24.34 	services;
25.1 	(2) training and employment placement in high 
25.2 	wage and high growth employment;
25.3 	(3) assistance in obtaining industry-specific 
25.4 	certifications;
25.5 	(4) remedial training leading to enrollment;
25.6 	(5) real-time work experience in information;
25.7 	(6) career and educational counseling;
25.8 	(7) work experience and internships; and
25.9 	(8) supportive services.
25.10 	(n) Of the amount appropriated in paragraph 
25.11 	(l), $1,625,000 each year must be awarded 
25.12 	through competitive grants made to trade 
25.13 	associations or chambers of commerce for job 
25.14 	placement services. Grant awards must be used 
25.15 	to encourage workforce training efforts to 
25.16 	ensure that efforts are aligned with employer 
25.17 	demands and that graduates are connected with 
25.18 	employers that are hiring. Trade associations 
25.19 	or chambers must partner with employers with 
25.20 	current or anticipated employment 
25.21 	opportunities and nonprofit workforce training 
25.22 	partners participating in this program. The 
25.23 	trade associations or chambers must work 
25.24 	closely with the industry sector training 
25.25 	providers in the five industries identified in 
25.26 	paragraph (l). Grant awards may be used for:
25.27 	(1) employer engagement strategies to align 
25.28 	employment opportunities for individuals 
25.29 	exiting workforce development training 
25.30 	programs. These strategies may include 
25.31 	business recruitment, job opening 
25.32 	development, employee recruitment, and job 
26.1 	matching. Trade associations must utilize the 
26.2 	state's labor exchange system;
26.3 	(2) diversity, inclusion, and retention training 
26.4 	for members to increase the business 
26.5 	understanding of welcoming and retaining a 
26.6 	diverse workforce; and
26.7 	(3) industry-specific training.
26.8 	(o) Of the amount appropriated in paragraph 
26.9 	(l), $875,000 each year is to hire, train, and 
26.10 	deploy business services representatives in 
26.11 	local workforce development areas throughout 
26.12 	the state. Business services representatives 
26.13 	must work with an assigned local workforce 
26.14 	development area to address the hiring needs 
26.15 	of Minnesota's businesses by connecting job 
26.16 	seekers and program participants in the 
26.17 	CareerForce system. Business services 
26.18 	representatives serve in the classified service 
26.19 	of the state and operate as part of the agency's 
26.20 	Employment and Training Office. The 
26.21 	commissioner shall develop and implement 
26.22 	training materials and reporting and evaluation 
26.23 	procedures for the activities of the business 
26.24 	services representatives. The business services 
26.25 	representatives must:
26.26 	(1) serve as the primary contact for businesses 
26.27 	in that area;
26.28 	(2) actively engage employers by assisting 
26.29 	with matching employers to job seekers by 
26.30 	referring candidates, convening job fairs, and 
26.31 	assisting with job announcements; and
26.32 	(3) work with the local area board and the 
26.33 	board's partners to identify candidates for 
27.1 	openings in small and midsize companies in 
27.2 	the local area.
27.3 	(p) $30,000,000 each year is for the targeted 
27.4 	population workforce grants under Minnesota 
27.5 	Statutes, section 116L.43. The department 
27.6 	may use up to ten percent of this appropriation 
27.7 	for administration, monitoring, and oversight 
27.8 	of the program. Of this amount:
27.9 	(1) $22,000,000 each year is for job and 
27.10 	entrepreneurial skills training grants under 
27.11 	Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.43, 
27.12 	subdivision 2;
27.13 	(2) $2,000,000 each year is for diversity and 
27.14 	inclusion training for small employers under 
27.15 	Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.43, 
27.16 	subdivision 3; and
27.17 	(3) $6,000,000 each year is for capacity 
27.18 	building grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
27.19 	section 116L.43, subdivision 4.
27.20 	Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the base amount 
27.21 	is $2,500,000.
27.22 	(q) $1,500,000 each year is to establish an 
27.23 	Office of New Americans. This is a onetime 
27.24 	appropriation.
27.25 	(r) $400,000 each year is for a grant to the 
27.26 	nonprofit 30,000 Feet to fund youth 
27.27 	apprenticeship jobs, wraparound services, 
27.28 	after-school programming, and summer 
27.29 	learning loss prevention targeted at African 
27.30 	American youth. This is a onetime 
27.31 	appropriation.
27.32 	(s) $700,000 each year is for a grant to Avivo 
27.33 	to provide low-income individuals with career 
28.1 	education and job skills training that is fully 
28.2 	integrated with chemical and mental health 
28.3 	services. This is a onetime appropriation.
28.4 	(t)(1) $450,000 each year is for a grant to 
28.5 	Better Futures Minnesota to provide job skills 
28.6 	training to individuals who have been released 
28.7 	from incarceration for a felony-level offense 
28.8 	and are no more than 12 months from the date 
28.9 	of release. This is a onetime appropriation.
28.10 	(2) Better Futures Minnesota shall annually 
28.11 	report to the commissioner on how the money 
28.12 	was spent and what results were achieved. The 
28.13 	report must include, at a minimum, 
28.14 	information and data about the number of 
28.15 	participants; participant homelessness, 
28.16 	employment, recidivism, and child support 
28.17 	compliance; and job skills training provided 
28.18 	to program participants.
28.19 	(u) $600,000 each year is for a grant to East 
28.20 	Side Neighborhood Services. This is a onetime 
28.21 	appropriation of which:
28.22 	(1) $300,000 each year is for the senior 
28.23 	community service employment program, 
28.24 	which provides work readiness training to 
28.25 	low-income adults ages 55 and older to 
28.26 	provide ongoing support and mentoring 
28.27 	services to the program participants as well as 
28.28 	the transition period from subsidized wages 
28.29 	to unsubsidized wages; and
28.30 	(2) $300,000 each year is for the nursing 
28.31 	assistant plus program to serve the increased 
28.32 	need for growth of medical talent pipelines 
28.33 	through expansion of the existing program and 
28.34 	development of in-house training.
29.1 	The amounts specified in clauses (1) and (2) 
29.2 	may also be used to enhance employment 
29.3 	programming for youth and young adults, ages 
29.4 	14 to 24, to introduce them to work culture, 
29.5 	develop essential work readiness skills, and 
29.6 	make career plans through paid internship 
29.7 	experiences and work readiness training.
29.8 	(v) $250,000 each year is for Minnesota 
29.9 	Family Resiliency Partnership programs under 
29.10 	Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.96. The 
29.11 	commissioner, through the adult career 
29.12 	pathways program, shall distribute the money 
29.13 	to existing nonprofit and state displaced 
29.14 	homemaker programs. This is a onetime 
29.15 	appropriation.
29.16 	(w) $550,000 each year is for a grant to the 
29.17 	International Institute of Minnesota for 
29.18 	workforce training for new Americans in 
29.19 	industries in need of a trained workforce. This 
29.20 	is a onetime appropriation.
29.21 	(x) $1,500,000 each year is for a grant to 
29.22 	Summit Academy OIC to expand employment 
29.23 	placement, GED preparation and 
29.24 	administration, and STEM programming in 
29.25 	the Twin Cities, Saint Cloud, and Bemidji. 
29.26 	This is a onetime appropriation.
29.27 	(y) $500,000 each year is for a grant to Big 
29.28 	Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities 
29.29 	to provide disadvantaged youth ages 12 to 21 
29.30 	with job-seeking skills, connections to job 
29.31 	training and education opportunities, and 
29.32 	mentorship while exploring careers. The grant 
29.33 	must serve youth in the Big Brothers Big 
29.34 	Sisters chapters in the Twin Cities, central 
30.1 	Minnesota, and southern Minnesota. This is a 
30.2 	onetime appropriation.
30.3 	(z) $400,000 each year is for a grant to the 
30.4 	White Bear Center for the Arts for establishing 
30.5 	a paid internship program for high school 
30.6 	students to learn professional development 
30.7 	skills through an arts perspective. This is a 
30.8 	onetime appropriation.
30.9 	(aa) $750,000 each year is for a grant to 
30.10 	Bridges to Healthcare to provide career 
30.11 	education, wraparound support services, and 
30.12 	job skills training in high-demand health care 
30.13 	fields to low-income parents, nonnative 
30.14 	speakers of English, and other hard-to-train 
30.15 	individuals, and to help families build secure 
30.16 	pathways out of poverty and address worker 
30.17 	shortages in one of Minnesota's most 
30.18 	innovative industries. Money may be used for 
30.19 	program expenses, including but not limited 
30.20 	to hiring instructors and navigators; space 
30.21 	rental; and supportive services to help 
30.22 	participants attend classes, including assistance 
30.23 	with course fees, child care, transportation, 
30.24 	and safe and stable housing. Up to five percent 
30.25 	of grant money may be used for Bridges to 
30.26 	Healthcare's administrative costs. This is a 
30.27 	onetime appropriation.
30.28 	(bb) $400,000 each year is for a grant to Hired 
30.29 	to expand their career pathway job training 
30.30 	and placement program that connects 
30.31 	lower-skilled job seekers to entry-level and 
30.32 	gateway jobs in high-growth sectors. This is 
30.33 	a onetime appropriation.
30.34 	(cc) $1,000,000 each year is for a grant to the 
30.35 	Minnesota Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs 
31.1 	to administer a statewide project of youth job 
31.2 	skills and career development. This project, 
31.3 	which may have career guidance components 
31.4 	including health and life skills, must be 
31.5 	designed to encourage, train, and assist youth 
31.6 	in early access to education and job-seeking 
31.7 	skills; work-based learning experience, 
31.8 	including career pathways in STEM learning, 
31.9 	career exploration, and matching; and first job 
31.10 	placement through local community 
31.11 	partnerships and on-site job opportunities. This 
31.12 	grant requires a 25 percent match from 
31.13 	nonstate sources. This is a onetime 
31.14 	appropriation.
31.15 	(dd) $300,000 each year is for a grant to 
31.16 	Southeast Minnesota Workforce Development 
31.17 	Area 8 and Workforce Development, Inc., to 
31.18 	provide career planning, career pathway 
31.19 	training and education, wraparound support 
31.20 	services, and job skills advancement in 
31.21 	high-demand careers to individuals with 
31.22 	barriers to employment in Steele County, and 
31.23 	to help families build secure pathways out of 
31.24 	poverty and address worker shortages in the 
31.25 	Owatonna and Steele County area, as well as 
31.26 	supporting Employer Outreach Services that 
31.27 	provide solutions to workforce challenges and 
31.28 	direct connections to workforce programming. 
31.29 	Money may be used for program expenses, 
31.30 	including but not limited to hiring instructors 
31.31 	and navigators; space rental; and supportive 
31.32 	services to help participants attend classes, 
31.33 	including assistance with course fees, child 
31.34 	care, transportation, and safe and stable 
31.35 	housing. Up to five percent of grant money 
31.36 	may be used for Workforce Development, 
32.1 	Inc.'s administrative costs. This is a onetime 
32.2 	appropriation and is available until June 30, 
32.3 	2025.
32.4 	(ee) $1,250,000 each year is for a grant to 
32.5 	Ujamaa Place to assist primarily African 
32.6 	American men with job training, employment 
32.7 	preparation, internships, education, vocational 
32.8 	housing, and organizational capacity building. 
32.9 	This is a onetime appropriation.
32.10 	(ff) $500,000 each year is for grants to 
32.11 	Minnesota Diversified Industries, Inc., to 
32.12 	provide inclusive employment opportunities 
32.13 	and services for people with disabilities. This 
32.14 	is a onetime appropriation.
32.15 	(gg) $1,000,000 each year is for performance 
32.16 	grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 
32.17 	116J.8747, to Twin Cities R!SE to provide 
32.18 	training to individuals facing barriers to 
32.19 	employment. This is a onetime appropriation 
32.20 	and is available until June 30, 2026.
32.21 	(hh) $500,000 each year is for the getting to 
32.22 	work grant program under Minnesota Statutes, 
32.23 	section 116J.545. Of this amount, up to five 
32.24 	percent is for administration and monitoring 
32.25 	of the program. This is a onetime 
32.26 	appropriation.
32.27 	(ii) $400,000 the first year is for a grant to the 
32.28 	ProStart and Hospitality Tourism Management 
32.29 	Program for a well-established, proven, and 
32.30 	successful education program that helps young 
32.31 	people advance careers in the hospitality 
32.32 	industry and addresses critical long-term 
32.33 	workforce shortages in the tourism industry.
33.1 	(jj) $1,500,000 each year is for a grant to 
33.2 	Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio - 
33.3 	Latino Communities United in Service 
33.4 	(CLUES) to address employment, economic, 
33.5 	and technology access disparities for 
33.6 	low-income, unemployed, or underemployed 
33.7 	individuals. Money must be used to support 
33.8 	short-term certifications and transferable skills 
33.9 	in high-demand fields, workforce readiness, 
33.10 	customized financial capability, and 
33.11 	employment supports. At least 50 percent of 
33.12 	this amount must be used for programming 
33.13 	targeted at greater Minnesota. This is a 
33.14 	onetime appropriation.
33.15 	(kk) $500,000 each year is for a grant to the 
33.16 	American Indian Opportunities and 
33.17 	Industrialization Center for workforce 
33.18 	development programming, including reducing 
33.19 	academic disparities for American Indian 
33.20 	students and adults. This is a onetime 
33.21 	appropriation.
33.22 	(ll) $300,000 each year is for a grant to YMCA 
33.23 	of the North to provide career exploration, job 
33.24 	training, and workforce development services 
33.25 	for underserved youth and young adults. This 
33.26 	is a onetime appropriation.
33.27 	(mm) $750,000 each year is for grants to the 
33.28 	Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's Teen 
33.29 	Teamworks youth employment and training 
33.30 	programs. This is a onetime appropriation and 
33.31 	is available in either year of the biennium and 
33.32 	is available until spent.
33.33 	(nn) $700,000 each year is for grants to 
33.34 	support competitive robotics teams that 
33.35 	prepare youth for careers in STEM fields, by 
34.1 	creating internships for high school students 
34.2 	to work at private companies in STEM fields, 
34.3 	including the payment of student stipends. 
34.4 	This is a onetime appropriation.
34.5 	(oo) $1,000,000 in the first year and 
34.6 	$2,000,000 in the second year are for a clean 
34.7 	economy equitable workforce grant program. 
34.8 	Money must be used for grants to support 
34.9 	partnership development, planning, and 
34.10 	implementation of workforce readiness 
34.11 	programs aimed at workers who are Black, 
34.12 	Indigenous, and People of Color. Programs 
34.13 	may include workforce training, career 
34.14 	development, workers' rights training, 
34.15 	employment placement, and culturally 
34.16 	appropriate job readiness and must prepare 
34.17 	workers for careers in the high-demand fields 
34.18 	of construction, clean energy, and energy 
34.19 	efficiency. Grants must be given to nonprofit 
34.20 	organizations that serve historically 
34.21 	disenfranchised communities, including new 
34.22 	Americans, with preference for organizations 
34.23 	that are new providers of workforce 
34.24 	programming or which have partnership 
34.25 	agreements with registered apprenticeship 
34.26 	programs. This is a onetime appropriation.
34.27 	(pp) $500,000 each year is for a grant to 
34.28 	Emerge Community Development to support 
34.29 	and reinforce critical workforce training at the 
34.30 	Emerge Career and Technical Center, 
34.31 	Cedar-Riverside Opportunity Center, and 
34.32 	Emerge Second Chance programs in 
34.33 	Minneapolis. This is a onetime appropriation.
34.34 	(qq) $500,000 each year is for a grant to 
34.35 	Project for Pride in Living to provide job 
35.1 	training and workforce development services 
35.2 	for underserved communities. This is a 
35.3 	onetime appropriation.
35.4 	(rr) $500,000 each year is for a grant to 
35.5 	Pillsbury United Communities to provide job 
35.6 	training and workforce development services 
35.7 	for underserved communities. This is a 
35.8 	onetime appropriation.
35.9 	(ss) $1,000,000 each year is for a grant to the 
35.10 	Redemption Project to provide employment 
35.11 	services to adults leaving incarceration, 
35.12 	including recruiting, educating, training, and 
35.13 	retaining employment mentors and partners. 
35.14 	This is a onetime appropriation.
35.15 	(tt) $350,000 each year is for a grant to the 
35.16 	YWCA of Minneapolis to provide training to 
35.17 	eligible individuals, including job skills 
35.18 	training, career counseling, and job placement 
35.19 	assistance necessary to secure a child 
35.20 	development associate credential and to have 
35.21 	a career path in early childhood education. 
35.22 	This is a onetime appropriation.
35.23 	(uu) $500,000 each year is for a grant to 
35.24 	Greater Twin Cities United Way to make 
35.25 	grants to partner organizations to provide 
35.26 	workforce training using the career pathways 
35.27 	model that helps students gain work 
35.28 	experience, earn experience in high-demand 
35.29 	fields, and transition into family-sustaining 
35.30 	careers. This is a onetime appropriation.
35.31 	(vv) $1,500,000 each year is for a grant to the 
35.32 	nonprofit Sanneh Foundation to fund 
35.33 	out-of-school summer programs focused on 
35.34 	mentoring and behavioral, social, and 
36.1 	emotional learning interventions and 
36.2 	enrichment activities directed toward 
36.3 	low-income students of color. This is a 
36.4 	onetime appropriation and is available until 
36.5 	spent.
36.6 	(ww) $3,000,000 each year is for a grant to 
36.7 	Youthprise to provide economic development 
36.8 	services designed to enhance long-term 
36.9 	economic self-sufficiency in communities with 
36.10 	concentrated African populations statewide. 
36.11 	Of these amounts, 50 percent is for subgrants 
36.12 	to Ka Joog and 50 percent is for competitive 
36.13 	subgrants to community organizations. This 
36.14 	is a onetime appropriation.
36.15 	(xx) $1,000,000 each year is for performance 
36.16 	grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 
36.17 	116J.8747, to Goodwill-Easter Seals 
36.18 	Minnesota and its partners. The grant shall be 
36.19 	used to continue the FATHER Project in 
36.20 	Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Minneapolis, 
36.21 	and the surrounding areas to assist fathers in 
36.22 	overcoming barriers that prevent fathers from 
36.23 	supporting their children economically and 
36.24 	emotionally, including with community 
36.25 	re-entry following confinement. This is a 
36.26 	onetime appropriation.
36.27 	(yy) $1,000,000 each year is for a grant to the 
36.28 	Hmong American Partnership to expand job 
36.29 	training and placement programs primarily 
36.30 	serving the Southeast Asian community. This 
36.31 	is a onetime appropriation.
36.32 	(zz) $400,000 each year is for a grant to 
36.33 	Project Restore Minnesota for the Social 
36.34 	Kitchen project, a pathway program for careers 
37.1 	in the culinary arts. This is a onetime 
37.2 	appropriation.
37.3 	(aaa) $1,000,000 each year is for competitive 
37.4 	grants to organizations providing services to 
37.5 	relieve economic disparities in the African 
37.6 	immigrant community through workforce 
37.7 	recruitment, development, job creation, 
37.8 	assistance of smaller organizations to increase 
37.9 	capacity, and outreach. Of this amount, up to 
37.10 	five percent is for administration and 
37.11 	monitoring of the program. Beginning in fiscal 
37.12 	year 2026, the base amount is $200,000.
37.13 	(bbb) $500,000 each year is for a grant to the 
37.14 	Hmong Chamber of Commerce to train 
37.15 	ethnically Southeast Asian business owners 
37.16 	and operators in better business practices. Of 
37.17 	this amount, up to $5,000 may be used for 
37.18 	administrative costs. This is a onetime 
37.19 	appropriation.
37.20 	(ccc) $100,000 each year is for grants to the 
37.21 	Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation 
37.22 	for Carts to Careers, a statewide initiative to 
37.23 	promote careers, conduct outreach, provide 
37.24 	job skills training, and award scholarships for 
37.25 	students pursuing careers in the food industry. 
37.26 	This is a onetime appropriation.
37.27 	(ddd) $500,000 each year is for a grant to 
37.28 	Minnesota Independence College and 
37.29 	Community to provide employment 
37.30 	preparation, job placement, job retention, and 
37.31 	service coordination services to adults with 
37.32 	autism and learning differences. This is a 
37.33 	onetime appropriation.
38.1 	(eee) $500,000 each year is for a grant to 
38.2 	Ramsey County to provide job training and 
38.3 	workforce development for underserved 
38.4 	communities. Grant money may be subgranted 
38.5 	to Milestone Community Development for the 
38.6 	Milestone Tech program. This is a onetime 
38.7 	appropriation.
38.8 	(fff) $500,000 each year is for a grant to 
38.9 	Ramsey County for a technology training 
38.10 	pathway program focused on intergenerational 
38.11 	community tech work for residents who are 
38.12 	at least 18 years old and no more than 24 years 
38.13 	old and who live in a census tract that has a 
38.14 	poverty rate of at least 20 percent as reported 
38.15 	in the most recently completed decennial 
38.16 	census published by the United States Bureau 
38.17 	of the Census. Grant money may be used for 
38.18 	program administration, training, training 
38.19 	stipends, wages, and support services. This is 
38.20 	a onetime appropriation.
38.21 	(ggg) $700,000 in the first year is from the 
38.22 	workforce development fund for a grant to the 
38.23 	Southwest Initiative Foundation for the 
38.24 	southwestern Minnesota workforce 
38.25 	development scholarship pilot program. This 
38.26 	is a onetime appropriation and is available 
38.27 	until June 30, 2028.

38.28	Subd. 4.General Support Services
 		17,505,000
		7,505,000

38.29	Appropriations by Fund
	
38.30	General Fund
	17,450,000
	7,450,000
	
38.31
38.32	Workforce 
Development
	55,000
	55,000
	
38.33 	(a) $1,269,000 each year is for transfer to the 
38.34 	Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for 
38.35 	operating the Olmstead Compliance Office.
39.1 	(b) $10,000,000 in the first year is for the 
39.2 	workforce digital transformation projects. This 
39.3 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.

39.4	Subd. 5.Minnesota Trade Office
 		$2,242,000
		$2,242,000
	
39.5 	(a) $300,000 each year is for the STEP grants 
39.6 	in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.979.
39.7 	(b) $180,000 each year is for the Invest 
39.8 	Minnesota marketing initiative under 
39.9 	Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.9781.
39.10 	(c) $270,000 each year is for the Minnesota 
39.11 	Trade Offices under Minnesota Statutes, 
39.12 	section 116J.978.

39.13	Subd. 6.Vocational Rehabilitation
 		42,341,000
		42,341,000

39.14	Appropriations by Fund
	
39.15	General
	34,511,000
	34,511,000
	
39.16
39.17	Workforce 
Development
	7,830,000
	7,830,000
	
39.18 	(a) $14,300,000 each year is for the state's 
39.19 	vocational rehabilitation program under 
39.20 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268A.
39.21 	(b) $11,495,000 each year from the general 
39.22 	fund and $6,830,000 each year from the 
39.23 	workforce development fund are for extended 
39.24 	employment services for persons with severe 
39.25 	disabilities under Minnesota Statutes, section 
39.26 	268A.15. Of the amounts appropriated from 
39.27 	the general fund, $4,500,000 each year is for 
39.28 	new rate increases and maintaining prior rate 
39.29 	increases to providers of extended employment 
39.30 	services.
39.31 	(c) $4,805,000 each year is for grants to 
39.32 	programs that provide employment support 
39.33 	services to persons with mental illness under 
39.34 	Minnesota Statutes, sections 268A.13 and 
40.1 	268A.14. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the 
40.2 	base amount is $2,555,000.
40.3 	(d) $3,911,000 each year is for grants to 
40.4 	centers for independent living under 
40.5 	Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.11. 
40.6 	Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the base amount 
40.7 	is $3,011,000.
40.8 	(e) $1,000,000 each year is from the workforce 
40.9 	development fund for grants under Minnesota 
40.10 	Statutes, section 268A.16, for employment 
40.11 	services for persons, including transition-age 
40.12 	youth, who are deaf, deafblind, or 
40.13 	hard-of-hearing. If the amount in the first year 
40.14 	is insufficient, the amount in the second year 
40.15 	is available in the first year.

40.16	Subd. 7.Services for the Blind
 		11,425,000
		11,425,000
	
40.17 	(a) $500,000 each year is for senior citizens 
40.18 	who are becoming blind. At least one-half of 
40.19 	the money for this purpose must be used to 
40.20 	provide training services for seniors who are 
40.21 	becoming blind. Training services must 
40.22 	provide independent living skills to seniors 
40.23 	who are becoming blind to allow them to 
40.24 	continue to live independently in their homes.
40.25 	(b) $2,500,000 each year is for the employer 
40.26 	reasonable accommodation fund. This is a 
40.27 	onetime appropriation.

40.28	Sec. 3. EXPLORE MINNESOTA TOURISM
 	$
	26,307,000
	$
	21,169,000
	
40.29 	(a) $500,000 each year must be matched from 
40.30 	nonstate sources to develop maximum private 
40.31 	sector involvement in tourism. Each $1 of state 
40.32 	incentive must be matched with $6 of private 
40.33 	sector money. "Matched" means revenue to 
40.34 	the state or documented in-kind, soft match, 
41.1 	or cash expenditures directly expended to 
41.2 	support Explore Minnesota Tourism under 
41.3 	section 116U.05. The incentive in fiscal year 
41.4 	2024 is based on fiscal year 2023 private 
41.5 	sector contributions. The incentive in fiscal 
41.6 	year 2025 is based on fiscal year 2024 private 
41.7 	sector contributions. This incentive is ongoing.
41.8 	(b) $5,900,000 each year is for the 
41.9 	development of new initiatives for Explore 
41.10 	Minnesota Tourism. This is a onetime 
41.11 	appropriation and of this amount:
41.12 	(1) $3,000,000 each year is for competitive 
41.13 	grants for large-scale sporting and other major 
41.14 	events;
41.15 	(2) $1,100,000 each year is for grants to 
41.16 	Minnesota's 11 Tribal Nations to promote and 
41.17 	support new tourism opportunities for Tribal 
41.18 	Nations;
41.19 	(3) $1,000,000 each year is to expand 
41.20 	diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility 
41.21 	through tourism marketing;
41.22 	(4) $625,000 each year is for the tourism and 
41.23 	hospitality industry and the Governor's Opener 
41.24 	events;
41.25 	(5) $88,000 each year is to develop new 
41.26 	resources and increase engagement for the 
41.27 	tourism industry; and
41.28 	(6) $87,000 each year is to develop a 
41.29 	long-term sustainability plan for tourism.
41.30 	(c)(1) $2,000,000 in the first year is for a 
41.31 	tourism industry recovery grant program to 
41.32 	provide grants to organizations, Tribal 
41.33 	governments, underserved community groups, 
42.1 	and communities to accelerate the recovery of 
42.2 	the state's tourism industry, with preference 
42.3 	for applicants who have not previously 
42.4 	received grants. Grant money may be used to 
42.5 	support meetings, conventions and group 
42.6 	business, multicommunity and high-visibility 
42.7 	events, and tourism marketing. Explore 
42.8 	Minnesota Tourism must accept grant 
42.9 	applications for at least five business days 
42.10 	beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the first business 
42.11 	day and, if total applications exceed 
42.12 	$10,000,000, the grants must be awarded to 
42.13 	eligible applicants at random until the funding 
42.14 	is exhausted. Of this amount:
42.15 	(i) at least 25 percent must go to groups in 
42.16 	Hennepin and Ramsey counties;
42.17 	(ii) at least 25 percent must go to groups in 
42.18 	Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott, and Washington 
42.19 	counties;
42.20 	(iii) at least 25 percent must go to groups 
42.21 	outside of the metropolitan area, as defined 
42.22 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, 
42.23 	subdivision 2;
42.24 	(iv) at least 25 percent must be distributed as 
42.25 	small grants of no more than $10,000 each for 
42.26 	tourism promotional activities; and
42.27 	(v) up to three percent may be used for 
42.28 	program administration, including promotional 
42.29 	activities and reporting.
42.30 	(2) Explore Minnesota Tourism must submit 
42.31 	a preliminary report by November 1, 2023, 
42.32 	and a final report by January 1, 2025, to the 
42.33 	legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
42.34 	tourism that detail the use of grant funds.
43.1 	(d) Money for marketing grants is available 
43.2 	either year of the biennium. Unexpended grant 
43.3 	money from the first year is available in the 
43.4 	second year.

43.5	Sec. 4. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
 	$
	3,500,000
	$
	3,500,000
	
43.6 	(a) $2,250,000 each year is for contracts with 
43.7 	Minnesota's institutions of higher education 
43.8 	to provide instruction to incarcerated 
43.9 	individuals in state correctional facilities and 
43.10 	to support partnerships with public and private 
43.11 	employers, trades programs, and community 
43.12 	colleges in providing employment 
43.13 	opportunities for individuals after 
43.14 	incarceration. Funding must be used for 
43.15 	contracts with institutions of higher education 
43.16 	and other training providers and associated 
43.17 	re-entry and operational support services 
43.18 	provided by the agency. Beginning in fiscal 
43.19 	year 2026, the base amount is $200,000.
43.20 	(b) $1,250,000 each year is to expand the use 
43.21 	of the existing work release program at the 
43.22 	Department of Corrections to increase the 
43.23 	availability of educational programming for 
43.24 	incarcerated individuals who are eligible and 
43.25 	approved for work release. Beginning in fiscal 
43.26 	year 2026, the base amount is $100,000.

43.27 	ARTICLE 2
43.28 	GRANTS MANAGEMENT

43.29 	Section 1. FINANCIAL REVIEW OF NONPROFIT GRANT RECIPIENTS 
43.30 	REQUIRED.
 43.31 		Subdivision 1.Financial review required. (a) Before awarding a competitive, 
43.32 	legislatively named, single-source, or sole-source grant to a nonprofit organization under 
43.33 	this act, the grantor must require the applicant to submit financial information sufficient for 
43.34 	the grantor to document and assess the applicant's current financial standing and management. 
44.1 	Items of significant concern must be addressed with the applicant and resolved to the 
44.2 	satisfaction of the grantor before a grant is awarded. The grantor must document the material 
44.3 	requested and reviewed; whether the applicant had a significant operating deficit, a deficit 
44.4 	in unrestricted net assets, or insufficient internal controls; whether and how the applicant 
44.5 	resolved the grantor's concerns; and the grantor's final decision. This documentation must 
44.6 	be maintained in the grantor's files.
44.7 	(b) At a minimum, the grantor must require each applicant to provide the following 
44.8 	information:
44.9 	(1) the applicant's most recent Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N filed with the 
44.10 	Internal Revenue Service. If the applicant has not been in existence long enough or is not 
44.11 	required to file Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N, the applicant must demonstrate 
44.12 	to the grantor that the applicant is exempt and must instead submit documentation of internal 
44.13 	controls and the applicant's most recent financial statement prepared in accordance with 
44.14 	generally accepted accounting principles and approved by the applicant's board of directors 
44.15 	or trustees or, if there is no such board, by the applicant's managing group;
44.16 	(2) evidence of registration and good standing with the secretary of state under Minnesota 
44.17 	Statutes, chapter 317A, or other applicable law;
44.18 	(3) unless exempt under Minnesota Statutes, section 309.515, evidence of registration 
44.19 	and good standing with the attorney general under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 309; and
44.20 	(4) if required under Minnesota Statutes, section 309.53, subdivision 3, the applicant's 
44.21 	most recent audited financial statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted 
44.22 	accounting principles.
44.23 		Subd. 2.Authority to postpone or forgo; reporting required. (a) Notwithstanding 
44.24 	any contrary provision in this act, a grantor that identifies an area of significant concern 
44.25 	regarding the financial standing or management of a legislatively named applicant may 
44.26 	postpone or forgo awarding the grant.
44.27 	(b) No later than 30 days after a grantor exercises the authority provided under paragraph 
44.28 	(a), the grantor must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative 
44.29 	committees with jurisdiction over the grantor's operating budget. The report must identify 
44.30 	the legislatively named applicant and the grantor's reason for postponing or forgoing the 
44.31 	grant.
44.32 		Subd. 3.Authority to award subject to additional assistance and oversight. A grantor 
44.33 	that identifies an area of significant concern regarding an applicant's financial standing or 
45.1 	management may award a grant to the applicant if the grantor provides or the grantee 
45.2 	otherwise obtains additional technical assistance, as needed, and the grantor imposes 
45.3 	additional requirements in the grant agreement. Additional requirements may include but 
45.4 	are not limited to enhanced monitoring, additional reporting, or other reasonable requirements 
45.5 	imposed by the grantor to protect the interests of the state.
45.6 		Subd. 4.Relation to other law and policy. The requirements in this section are in 
45.7 	addition to any other requirements imposed by law; the commissioner of administration 
45.8 	under Minnesota Statutes, sections 16B.97 and 16B.98; or agency policy.

45.9 	ARTICLE 3
45.10 	ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY

45.11 	Section 1. [116J.418] OFFICE OF CHILD CARE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.
45.12 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in this 
45.13 	subdivision have the meanings given them.
45.14 	(b) "Child care" means the care of children while parents or guardians are at work or 
45.15 	absent for another reason.
45.16 	(c) "Local unit of government" has the meaning given in section 116G.03, subdivision 
45.17 	3.
45.18 	(d) "Office" means the Office of Child Care Community Partnerships established in 
45.19 	subdivision 2, paragraph (a).
45.20 		Subd. 2.Office established; purpose. (a) An Office of Child Care Community 
45.21 	Partnerships is established within the Department of Employment and Economic 
45.22 	Development. The department may employ a director and staff necessary to carry out the 
45.23 	office's duties under subdivision 4.
45.24 	(b) The purpose of the office is to support child care businesses within the state in order 
45.25 	to:
45.26 	(1) increase the quantity of quality child care available; and
45.27 	(2) improve accessibility to child care for underserved communities and populations.
45.28 		Subd. 3.Organization. The office shall consist of a director of the Office of Child Care 
45.29 	Community Partnerships, as well as any staff necessary to carry out the office's duties under 
45.30 	subdivision 4.
45.31 		Subd. 4.Duties. The office shall have the power and duty to:
46.1 	(1) coordinate with state, regional, local, and private entities to promote investment in 
46.2 	increasing the quantity of quality child care in Minnesota;
46.3 	(2) coordinate with other agencies including but not limited to Minnesota Management 
46.4 	and Budget, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Education to develop, 
46.5 	recommend, and implement solutions to increase the quantity of quality child care openings;
46.6 	(3) administer the child care economic development grant program and other 
46.7 	appropriations to the department for this purpose;
46.8 	(4) monitor the child care business development efforts of other states and countries;
46.9 	(5) provide support to the governor's Children's Cabinet;
46.10 	(6) provide an annual report, as required by subdivision 5; and
46.11 	(7) perform any other activities consistent with the office's purpose.
46.12 		Subd. 5.Reporting. (a) Beginning January 15, 2024, and each year thereafter, the Office 
46.13 	of Child Care Community Partnerships shall report to the legislative committees with 
46.14 	jurisdiction over child care policy and finance on the office's activities during the previous 
46.15 	year.
46.16 	(b) The report shall contain, at a minimum:
46.17 	(1) an analysis of the current access to child care within the state;
46.18 	(2) an analysis of the current shortage of child care workers within the state;
46.19 	(3) a summary of the office's activities;
46.20 	(4) any proposed legislative and policy initiatives; and
46.21 	(5) any other information requested by the legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
46.22 	child care, or that the office deems necessary.
46.23 	(c) The report may be submitted electronically and is subject to section 3.195, subdivision 
46.24 	1.

46.25 	Sec. 2. [116J.681] SMALL BUSINESS NAVIGATORS.
46.26 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have 
46.27 	the meanings given.
46.28 	(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
46.29 	(c) "Small business" has the meaning given in section 645.445.
47.1 	(d) "Underserved" means Black, Indigenous, people of color, veterans, people with 
47.2 	disabilities, rural Minnesotans, and low-income individuals.
47.3 		Subd. 2.Generally. Small business navigators must work with small businesses and 
47.4 	entrepreneurs to help navigate state programs, as well as programs managed by 
47.5 	nongovernmental partners and other public and private organizations. The purpose of small 
47.6 	business navigators is to connect small businesses and entrepreneurs with the services needed 
47.7 	to be successful.
47.8 		Subd. 3.Staffing. Staff of small business navigators serve in the classified service of 
47.9 	the state and operate as part of the department's Small Business Assistance Office.
47.10 		Subd. 4.Commissioner. The commissioner shall develop and implement training 
47.11 	materials and reporting and evaluation procedures for the activities of small business 
47.12 	navigators.
47.13 		Subd. 5.Duties. Small business navigators shall:
47.14 	(1) provide information and direction to small businesses and entrepreneurs in a timely, 
47.15 	accurate, and comprehensive manner, connecting them with appropriate assistance services 
47.16 	from the state and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations;
47.17 	(2) build relationships with and provide targeted outreach to historically underserved 
47.18 	populations and communities;
47.19 	(3) provide for the delivery of information and assistance, including but not limited to 
47.20 	the use of media, in a culturally appropriate manner that accommodates businesses and 
47.21 	entrepreneurs with limited English proficiency;
47.22 	(4) ensure the availability of small business navigators and materials in all media to 
47.23 	persons with physical disabilities; and
47.24 	(5) coordinate with and augment the services and outreach of the agency's Small Business 
47.25 	Assistance Office, Small Business Development Center, Office of Small Business 
47.26 	Partnerships, and Launch Minnesota.

47.27 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.871, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
47.28 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have 
47.29 	the meanings given them.
47.30 	(b) "Economic development" means financial assistance provided to a person directly 
47.31 	or to a local unit of government or nonprofit organization on behalf of a person who is 
47.32 	engaged in the manufacture or sale of goods and services. Economic development does not 
48.1 	include (1) financial assistance for rehabilitation of existing housing or, (2) financial 
48.2 	assistance for new housing construction in which total financial assistance at a single project 
48.3 	site is less than $100,000, or (3) financial assistance for detached single-family affordable 
48.4 	homeownership units in which the single project site consists of fewer than five units.
48.5 	(c) "Financial assistance" means (1) a grant awarded by a state agency for economic 
48.6 	development related purposes if a single business receives $200,000 or more of the grant 
48.7 	proceeds; (2) a loan or the guaranty or purchase of a loan made by a state agency for 
48.8 	economic development related purposes if a single business receives $500,000 or more of 
48.9 	the loan proceeds; or (3) a reduction, credit, or abatement of a tax assessed under chapter 
48.10 	297A where the tax reduction, credit, or abatement applies to a geographic area smaller 
48.11 	than the entire state and was granted for economic development related purposes. Financial 
48.12 	assistance does not include payments by the state of aids and credits under chapter 273 or 
48.13 	477A to a political subdivision.
48.14 	(d) "Project site" means the location where improvements are made that are financed in 
48.15 	whole or in part by the financial assistance; or the location of employees that receive financial 
48.16 	assistance in the form of employment and training services as defined in section 116L.19, 
48.17 	subdivision 4, or customized training from a technical college.
48.18 	(e) "State agency" means any agency defined under section 16B.01, subdivision 2, 
48.19 	Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.

48.20 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.871, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
48.21 		Subd. 2.Prevailing wage required. (a) A state agency may provide financial assistance 
48.22 	to a person only if the person receiving or benefiting from the financial assistance certifies 
48.23 	to the commissioner of labor and industry that laborers and mechanics at the project site 
48.24 	during construction, installation, remodeling, and repairs for which the financial assistance 
48.25 	was provided will be paid the prevailing wage rate as defined in section 177.42, subdivision 
48.26 	6, and be subject to the requirements and enforcement provisions of sections 177.27, 177.30, 
48.27 	177.32, 177.41 to 177.435, and 177.45.
48.28 	(b) For the purposes of a person subject to paragraph (a) who is required to comply with 
48.29 	section 177.30, paragraph (a), clauses (6) and (7), the state agency awarding the financial 
48.30 	assistance is considered the contracting authority and the project is considered a public 
48.31 	works project. The person receiving or benefiting from the financial assistance shall notify 
48.32 	all employers on the project of the record keeping and reporting requirements of section 
48.33 	177.30, paragraph (a), clauses (6) and (7). Each employer shall submit the required 
48.34 	information to the contracting authority.

49.1 	Sec. 5. [116J.8746] SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
49.2 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have 
49.3 	the meanings given.
49.4 	(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
49.5 	(c) "Eligible business" means an entity that:
49.6 	(1) is a business, commercial cooperative, employee-owned business, or commercial 
49.7 	land trust; and
49.8 	(2) is either:
49.9 	(i) located in greater Minnesota;
49.10 	(ii) in the field of high technology; or
49.11 	(iii) at least 51 percent owned by people who are either:
49.12 	(A) Black, indigenous, or people of color;
49.13 	(B) women;
49.14 	(C) immigrants;
49.15 	(D) veterans;
49.16 	(E) people with disabilities;
49.17 	(F) low-income; or
49.18 	(G) LGBTQ+.
49.19 	(d) "Program" means the small business partnership program established in this section.
49.20 		Subd. 2.Establishment. The commissioner of employment and economic development 
49.21 	shall establish a small business partnership program to make statewide grants to local and 
49.22 	regional community-based nonprofit organizations to support the start-up, growth, and 
49.23 	success of eligible businesses through the delivery of high-quality free or low-cost 
49.24 	professional business development and technical assistance services.
49.25 		Subd. 3.Grants to nonprofits. (a) Nonprofit organizations shall apply for grants using 
49.26 	a competitive process established by the commissioner.
49.27 	(b) All grants shall be made in the first year of the biennium and shall be for two years.
49.28 	(c) Up to ten percent of the grant amount may be used by the nonprofit for administrative 
49.29 	expenses.
50.1 	(d) Preference shall be given to applications from nonprofits that can demonstrate a 
50.2 	record of successful outcomes serving historically underserved communities or increasing 
50.3 	the upward economic mobility of clients.
50.4 		Subd. 4.Administration. The commissioner may use up to five percent of program 
50.5 	funds for administering and monitoring the program.
50.6 		Subd. 5.Reporting. (a) Grant recipients shall report to the commissioner each year they 
50.7 	receive grant funds. This report shall detail the use of grant funds and shall include data on 
50.8 	the number of individuals served and other measures of program impact, along with any 
50.9 	other information requested by the commissioner.
50.10 	(b) By January 15, 2025, and by January 15 each odd-numbered year thereafter, the 
50.11 	commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the 
50.12 	committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over business 
50.13 	development that details the use of program funds and the program's impact. This report is 
50.14 	in addition to the reporting required under section 3.195.

50.15 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.8748, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
50.16 		Subd. 3.Minnesota job creation fund business designation; requirements. (a) To 
50.17 	receive designation as a Minnesota job creation fund business, a business must satisfy all 
50.18 	of the following conditions:
50.19 	(1) the business is or will be engaged in, within Minnesota, one of the following as its 
50.20 	primary business activity:
50.21 	(i) manufacturing;
50.22 	(ii) warehousing;
50.23 	(iii) distribution;
50.24 	(iv) information technology;
50.25 	(v) finance;
50.26 	(vi) insurance; or
50.27 	(vii) professional or technical services;
50.28 	(2) the business must not be primarily engaged in lobbying; gambling; entertainment; 
50.29 	professional sports; political consulting; leisure; hospitality; or professional services provided 
50.30 	by attorneys, accountants, business consultants, physicians, or health care consultants, or 
51.1 	primarily engaged in making retail sales to purchasers who are physically present at the 
51.2 	business's location;
51.3 	(3) the business must enter into a binding construction and job creation business subsidy 
51.4 	agreement with the commissioner to expend directly, or ensure expenditure by or in 
51.5 	partnership with a third party constructing or managing the project, at least $500,000 in 
51.6 	capital investment in a capital investment project that includes a new, expanded, or remodeled 
51.7 	facility within one year following designation as a Minnesota job creation fund business or 
51.8 	$250,000 if the project is located outside the metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, 
51.9 	subdivision 24, or if 51 percent of the business is cumulatively owned by minorities, veterans, 
51.10 	women, or persons with a disability; and:
51.11 	(i) create at least ten new full-time employee positions within two years of the benefit 
51.12 	date following the designation as a Minnesota job creation fund business or five new full-time 
51.13 	employee positions within two years of the benefit date if the project is located outside the 
51.14 	metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, or if 51 percent of the business 
51.15 	is cumulatively owned by minorities, veterans, women, or persons with a disability; or
51.16 	(ii) expend at least $25,000,000, which may include the installation and purchase of 
51.17 	machinery and equipment, in capital investment and retain at least 200 100 employees for 
51.18 	projects located in the metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, and 
51.19 	75 or expend at least $10,000,000, which may include the installation and purchase of 
51.20 	machinery and equipment, in capital investment and retain at least 50 employees for projects 
51.21 	located outside the metropolitan area;
51.22 	(4) positions or employees moved or relocated from another Minnesota location of the 
51.23 	Minnesota job creation fund business must not be included in any calculation or determination 
51.24 	of job creation or new positions under this paragraph; and
51.25 	(5) a Minnesota job creation fund business must not terminate, lay off, or reduce the 
51.26 	working hours of an employee for the purpose of hiring an individual to satisfy job creation 
51.27 	goals under this subdivision.
51.28 	(b) Prior to approving the proposed designation of a business under this subdivision, the 
51.29 	commissioner shall consider the following:
51.30 	(1) the economic outlook of the industry in which the business engages;
51.31 	(2) the projected sales of the business that will be generated from outside the state of 
51.32 	Minnesota;
52.1 	(3) how the business will build on existing regional, national, and international strengths 
52.2 	to diversify the state's economy;
52.3 	(4) whether the business activity would occur without financial assistance;
52.4 	(5) whether the business is unable to expand at an existing Minnesota operation due to 
52.5 	facility or land limitations;
52.6 	(6) whether the business has viable location options outside Minnesota;
52.7 	(7) the effect of financial assistance on industry competitors in Minnesota;
52.8 	(8) financial contributions to the project made by local governments; and
52.9 	(9) any other criteria the commissioner deems necessary.
52.10 	(c) Upon receiving notification of local approval under subdivision 2, the commissioner 
52.11 	shall review the determination by the local government and consider the conditions listed 
52.12 	in paragraphs (a) and (b) to determine whether it is in the best interests of the state and local 
52.13 	area to designate a business as a Minnesota job creation fund business.
52.14 	(d) If the commissioner designates a business as a Minnesota job creation fund business, 
52.15 	the business subsidy agreement shall include the performance outcome commitments and 
52.16 	the expected financial value of any Minnesota job creation fund benefits.
52.17 	(e) The commissioner may amend an agreement once, upon request of a local government 
52.18 	on behalf of a business, only if the performance is expected to exceed thresholds stated in 
52.19 	the original agreement.
52.20 	(f) A business may apply to be designated as a Minnesota job creation fund business at 
52.21 	the same location more than once only if all goals under a previous Minnesota job creation 
52.22 	fund agreement have been met and the agreement is completed.

52.23 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.8748, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
52.24 		Subd. 4.Certification; benefits. (a) The commissioner may certify a Minnesota job 
52.25 	creation fund business as eligible to receive a specific value of benefit under paragraphs (b) 
52.26 	and (c) when the business has achieved its job creation and capital investment goals noted 
52.27 	in its agreement under subdivision 3.
52.28 	(b) A qualified Minnesota job creation fund business may be certified eligible for the 
52.29 	benefits in this paragraph for up to five years for projects located in the metropolitan area 
52.30 	as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, and seven years for projects located outside 
52.31 	the metropolitan area, as determined by the commissioner when considering the best interests 
53.1 	of the state and local area. Notwithstanding section 16B.98, subdivision 5, paragraph (a), 
53.2 	clause (3), or 16B.98, subdivision 5, paragraph (b), grant agreements for projects located 
53.3 	outside the metropolitan area may be for up to seven years in length. The eligibility for the 
53.4 	following benefits begins the date the commissioner certifies the business as a qualified 
53.5 	Minnesota job creation fund business under this subdivision:
53.6 	(1) up to five percent rebate for projects located in the metropolitan area as defined in 
53.7 	section 200.02, subdivision 24, and 7.5 percent for projects located outside the metropolitan 
53.8 	area, on capital investment on qualifying purchases as provided in subdivision 5 with the 
53.9 	total rebate for a project not to exceed $500,000;
53.10 	(2) an award of up to $500,000 based on full-time job creation and wages paid as provided 
53.11 	in subdivision 6 with the total award not to exceed $500,000;
53.12 	(3) up to $1,000,000 in capital investment rebates and $1,000,000 in job creation awards 
53.13 	are allowable for projects that have at least $25,000,000 in capital investment and 200 100
53.14 	new employees in the metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, and 
53.15 	75 50 new employees for projects located outside the metropolitan area;
53.16 	(4) up to $1,000,000 in capital investment rebates and up to $1,000,000 in job creation 
53.17 	awards are allowable for projects that have at least $25,000,000 in capital investment, which 
53.18 	may include the installation and purchase of machinery and equipment, and 200 100 retained 
53.19 	employees for projects located in the metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, 
53.20 	subdivision 24, and 75or at least $10,000,000 in capital investment, which may include the 
53.21 	installation and purchase of machinery and equipment, and 50 retained employees for 
53.22 	projects located outside the metropolitan area; and
53.23 	(5) for clauses (3) and (4) only, the capital investment expenditure requirements may 
53.24 	include the installation and purchases of machinery and equipment. These expenditures are 
53.25 	not eligible for the capital investment rebate provided under subdivision 5.
53.26 	(c) The job creation award may be provided in multiple years as long as the qualified 
53.27 	Minnesota job creation fund business continues to meet the job creation goals provided for 
53.28 	in its agreement under subdivision 3 and the total award does not exceed $500,000 except 
53.29 	as provided under paragraph (b), clauses (3) and (4). Under paragraph (b) clause (4), a job 
53.30 	creation award of $2,000 per retained job may be provided one time if the qualified Minnesota 
53.31 	job creation fund business meets the minimum capital investment and retained employee 
53.32 	requirement as provided in paragraph (b), clause (4), for at least two years.
53.33 	(d) No rebates or award may be provided until the Minnesota job creation fund business 
53.34 	or a third party constructing or managing the project has at least $500,000 in capital 
54.1 	investment in the project and at least ten full-time jobs have been created and maintained 
54.2 	for at least one year or the retained employees, as provided in paragraph (b), clause (4), 
54.3 	remain for at least one year. The agreement may require additional performance outcomes 
54.4 	that need to be achieved before rebates and awards are provided. If fewer retained jobs are 
54.5 	maintained, but still above the minimum under this subdivision, the capital investment 
54.6 	award shall be reduced on a proportionate basis.
54.7 	(e) The forms needed to be submitted to document performance by the Minnesota job 
54.8 	creation fund business must be in the form and be made under the procedures specified by 
54.9 	the commissioner. The forms shall include documentation and certification by the business 
54.10 	that it is in compliance with the business subsidy agreement, sections 116J.871 and 116L.66, 
54.11 	and other provisions as specified by the commissioner.
54.12 	(f) Minnesota job creation fund businesses must pay each new full-time employee added 
54.13 	pursuant to the agreement total compensation, including benefits not mandated by law, that 
54.14 	on an annualized basis is equal to at least 110 percent of the federal poverty level for a 
54.15 	family of four.
54.16 	(g) A Minnesota job creation fund business must demonstrate reasonable progress on 
54.17 	capital investment expenditures within six months following designation as a Minnesota 
54.18 	job creation fund business to ensure that the capital investment goal in the agreement under 
54.19 	subdivision 1 will be met. Businesses not making reasonable progress will not be eligible 
54.20 	for benefits under the submitted application and will need to work with the local government 
54.21 	unit to resubmit a new application and request to be a Minnesota job creation fund business. 
54.22 	Notwithstanding the goals noted in its agreement under subdivision 1, this action shall not 
54.23 	be considered a default of the business subsidy agreement.

54.24 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.8748, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
54.25 		Subd. 6.Job creation award. (a) A qualified Minnesota job creation fund business is 
54.26 	eligible for an annual award for each new job created and maintained under subdivision 4, 
54.27 	paragraph (b), clauses (2) and (3), by the business using the following schedule: $1,000 for 
54.28 	each job position paying annual wages at least $26,000 but less than $35,000; $2,000 for 
54.29 	each job position paying at least $35,000 but less than $45,000; and $3,000 for each job 
54.30 	position paying at least $45,000 but less than $55,000; and $4,000 for each job position 
54.31 	paying at least $55,000; and as noted in the goals under the agreement provided under 
54.32 	subdivision 1. These awards are increased by $1,000 if the business is located outside the 
54.33 	metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, or if 51 percent of the business 
54.34 	is cumulatively owned by minorities, veterans, women, or persons with a disability.
55.1 	(b) A qualified Minnesota job creation fund business is eligible for a onetime $2,000 
55.2 	award for each job retained and maintained under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), clause (4), 
55.3 	provided that each retained job pays total compensation, including benefits not mandated 
55.4 	by law, that on an annualized basis is equal to at least 150 percent of the federal poverty 
55.5 	level for a family of four.
55.6 	(b) (c) The job creation award schedule must be adjusted annually using the percentage 
55.7 	increase in the federal poverty level for a family of four.
55.8 	(c) (d) Minnesota job creation fund businesses seeking an award credit provided under 
55.9 	subdivision 4 must submit forms and applications to the Department of Employment and 
55.10 	Economic Development as prescribed by the commissioner.

55.11 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.8748, is amended by adding a subdivision 
55.12 	to read:
55.13 		Subd. 6a.Transfer. The commissioner may transfer up to $2,000,000 of a fiscal year 
55.14 	appropriation between the Minnesota job creation fund program and the redevelopment 
55.15 	grant program to meet business demand.

55.16 	Sec. 10. [116J.8751] LAUNCH MINNESOTA.
55.17 		Subdivision 1.Establishment. Launch Minnesota is established within the Business 
55.18 	and Community Development Division of the Department of Employment and Economic 
55.19 	Development to encourage and support the development of new private sector technologies 
55.20 	and support the science and technology policies under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.222. 
55.21 	Launch Minnesota must provide entrepreneurs and emerging technology-based companies 
55.22 	business development assistance and financial assistance to spur growth.
55.23 		Subd. 2.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision 
55.24 	have the meanings given.
55.25 	(b) "Advisory board" means the board established under subdivision 10.
55.26 	(c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
55.27 	(d) "Department" means the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
55.28 	(e) "Entrepreneur" means a Minnesota resident who is involved in establishing a business 
55.29 	entity and secures resources directed to its growth while bearing the risk of loss.
55.30 	(f) "Greater Minnesota" means the area of Minnesota located outside of the metropolitan 
55.31 	area as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2.
56.1 	(g) "Innovative technology and business" means a new novel business model or product; 
56.2 	a derivative product incorporating new elements into an existing product; a new use for a 
56.3 	product; or a new process or method for the manufacture, use, or assessment of any product 
56.4 	or activity, patentability, or scalability. Innovative technology or business model does not 
56.5 	include locally based retail, lifestyle, or business services. The business must not be primarily 
56.6 	engaged in real estate development, insurance, banking, lending, lobbying, political 
56.7 	consulting, information technology consulting, wholesale or retail trade, leisure, hospitality, 
56.8 	transportation, construction, ethanol production from corn, or professional services provided 
56.9 	by attorneys, accountants, business consultants, physicians, or health care consultants.
56.10 	(h) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 
56.11 	136A.28, subdivision 6.
56.12 	(i) "Minority group member" means a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident 
56.13 	who is Asian, Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, or Native American.
56.14 	(j) "Research and development" means any activity that is:
56.15 	(1) a systematic, intensive study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding 
56.16 	of the subject studies;
56.17 	(2) a systematic study directed specifically toward applying new knowledge to meet a 
56.18 	recognized need; or
56.19 	(3) a systematic application of knowledge toward the production of useful materials, 
56.20 	devices, systems and methods, including design, development and improvement of prototypes 
56.21 	and new processes to meet specific requirements.
56.22 	(k) "Start-up" means a business entity that has been in operation for less than ten years, 
56.23 	has operations in Minnesota, and is in the development stage defined as devoting substantially 
56.24 	all of its efforts to establishing a new business and either of the following conditions exists:
56.25 	(1) planned principal operations have not commenced; or
56.26 	(2) planned principal operations have commenced, but have raised at least $1,000,000 
56.27 	in equity financing.
56.28 	(l) "Technology-related assistance" means the application and utilization of 
56.29 	technological-information and technologies to assist in the development and production of 
56.30 	new technology-related products or services or to increase the productivity or otherwise 
56.31 	enhance the production or delivery of existing products or services.
57.1 	(m) "Trade association" means a nonprofit membership organization organized to promote 
57.2 	businesses and business conditions and having an election under Internal Revenue Code 
57.3 	section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6).
57.4 	(n) "Veteran" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 197.447.
57.5 		Subd. 3.Duties. The commissioner, by and through Launch Minnesota, shall:
57.6 	(1) support innovation and initiatives designed to accelerate the growth of innovative 
57.7 	technology and business start-ups in Minnesota;
57.8 	(2) in partnership with other organizations, offer classes and instructional sessions on 
57.9 	how to start an innovative technology and business start-up;
57.10 	(3) promote activities for entrepreneurs and investors regarding the state's growing 
57.11 	innovation economy;
57.12 	(4) hold events and meetings that gather key stakeholders in the state's innovation sector;
57.13 	(5) conduct outreach and education on innovation activities and related financial programs 
57.14 	available from the department and other organizations, particularly for underserved 
57.15 	communities;
57.16 	(6) interact and collaborate with statewide partners including but not limited to businesses, 
57.17 	nonprofits, trade associations, and higher education institutions;
57.18 	(7) administer an advisory board to assist with direction, grant application review, 
57.19 	program evaluation, report development, and partnerships;
57.20 	(8) accept grant applications under subdivisions 5, 6, and 7 and work with the advisory 
57.21 	board to review and prioritize the applications and provide recommendations to the 
57.22 	commissioner; and
57.23 	(9) perform other duties at the commissioner's discretion.
57.24 		Subd. 4.Administration. (a) The executive director shall:
57.25 	(1) assist the commissioner and the advisory board in performing the duties of Launch 
57.26 	Minnesota; and
57.27 	(2) comply with all state and federal program requirements, and all state and federal 
57.28 	securities and tax laws and regulations.
57.29 	(b) Launch Minnesota may occupy and lease physical space in a private coworking 
57.30 	facility that includes office space for staff and space for community engagement for training 
58.1 	entrepreneurs. The physical space leased under this paragraph is exempt from the 
58.2 	requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.24, subdivision 6.
58.3 	(c) At least three times per month, Launch Minnesota staff shall communicate with 
58.4 	organizations in greater Minnesota that have received a grant under subdivision 7. To the 
58.5 	extent possible, Launch Minnesota shall form partnerships with organizations located 
58.6 	throughout the state.
58.7 	(d) Launch Minnesota must accept grant applications under this section and provide 
58.8 	funding recommendations to the commissioner and the commissioner shall distribute grants 
58.9 	based in part on the recommendations.
58.10 		Subd. 5.Application process. (a) The commissioner shall establish the application form 
58.11 	and procedures for grants.
58.12 	(b) Upon receiving recommendations from Launch Minnesota, the commissioner is 
58.13 	responsible for evaluating all applications using evaluation criteria which shall be developed 
58.14 	by Launch Minnesota in consultation with the advisory board.
58.15 	(c) For grants under subdivision 6, priority shall be given if the applicant is:
58.16 	(1) a business or entrepreneur located in greater Minnesota; or
58.17 	(2) a business owner, individual with a disability, or entrepreneur who is a woman, 
58.18 	veteran, or minority group member.
58.19 	(d) For grants under subdivision 7, priority shall be given if the applicant is planning to 
58.20 	serve:
58.21 	(1) businesses or entrepreneurs located in greater Minnesota; or
58.22 	(2) business owners, individuals with disabilities, or entrepreneurs who are women, 
58.23 	veterans, or minority group members.
58.24 	(e) The department staff, and not Launch Minnesota staff, are responsible for awarding 
58.25 	funding, disbursing funds, and monitoring grantee performance for all grants awarded under 
58.26 	this section.
58.27 	(f) Grantees must provide matching funds by equal expenditures and grant payments 
58.28 	must be provided on a reimbursement basis after review of submitted receipts by the 
58.29 	department.
58.30 	(g) Grant applications must be accepted on a regular periodic basis by Launch Minnesota 
58.31 	and must be reviewed by Launch Minnesota and the advisory board before being submitted 
58.32 	to the commissioner with their recommendations.
59.1 		Subd. 6.Innovation grants. (a) The commissioner shall distribute innovation grants 
59.2 	under this subdivision.
59.3 	(b) The commissioner shall provide a grant of up to $35,000 to an eligible business or 
59.4 	entrepreneur for research and development expenses, direct business expenses, and the 
59.5 	purchase of technical assistance or services from public higher education institutions and 
59.6 	nonprofit entities. Research and development expenditures may include but are not limited 
59.7 	to proof of concept activities, intellectual property protection, prototype designs and 
59.8 	production, and commercial feasibility. Expenditures funded under this subdivision are not 
59.9 	eligible for the research and development tax credit under Minnesota Statutes, section 
59.10 	290.068. Direct business expenses may include rent, equipment purchases, and supplier 
59.11 	invoices. Taxes imposed by federal, state, or local government entities may not be reimbursed 
59.12 	under this paragraph. Technical assistance or services must be purchased to assist in the 
59.13 	development or commercialization of a product or service to be eligible. Each business or 
59.14 	entrepreneur may receive only one grant per biennium under this paragraph.
59.15 	(c) The commissioner shall provide a grant of up to $35,000 in Phase 1 or $50,000 in 
59.16 	Phase 2 to an eligible business or entrepreneur that, as a registered client of the Small 
59.17 	Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, has been awarded a first time Phase 1 or 
59.18 	Phase 2 award pursuant to the SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) 
59.19 	programs after July 1, 2019. Each business or entrepreneur may receive only one grant per 
59.20 	biennium under this paragraph. Grants under this paragraph are not subject to the 
59.21 	requirements of subdivision 2, paragraph (k).
59.22 		Subd. 7.Entrepreneur education grants. (a) The commissioner shall make entrepreneur 
59.23 	education grants to institutions of higher education and other organizations to provide 
59.24 	educational programming to entrepreneurs and provide outreach to and collaboration with 
59.25 	businesses, federal and state agencies, institutions of higher education, trade associations, 
59.26 	and other organizations working to advance innovative technology businesses throughout 
59.27 	Minnesota.
59.28 	(b) Applications for entrepreneur education grants under this subdivision must be 
59.29 	submitted to the commissioner and evaluated by department staff other than Launch 
59.30 	Minnesota. The evaluation criteria must be developed by Launch Minnesota, in consultation 
59.31 	with the advisory board, and the commissioner, and priority must be given to an applicant 
59.32 	who demonstrates activity assisting business owners or entrepreneurs residing in greater 
59.33 	Minnesota or who are women, veterans, or minority group members.
60.1 	(c) Department staff other than Launch Minnesota staff are responsible for awarding 
60.2 	funding, disbursing funds, and monitoring grantee performance under this subdivision.
60.3 	(d) Grantees may use the grant funds to deliver the following services:
60.4 	(1) development and delivery to innovative technology businesses of industry specific 
60.5 	or innovative product or process specific counseling on issues of business formation, market 
60.6 	structure, market research and strategies, securing first mover advantage or overcoming 
60.7 	barriers to entry, protecting intellectual property, and securing debt or equity capital. This 
60.8 	counseling is to be delivered in a classroom setting or using distance media presentations;
60.9 	(2) outreach and education to businesses and organizations on the small business 
60.10 	investment tax credit program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8737, the MNvest 
60.11 	crowd-funding program under Minnesota Statutes, section 80A.461, and other state programs 
60.12 	that support innovative technology business creation especially in underserved communities;
60.13 	(3) collaboration with institutions of higher education, local organizations, federal and 
60.14 	state agencies, the Small Business Development Center, and the Small Business Assistance 
60.15 	Office to create and offer educational programming and ongoing counseling in greater 
60.16 	Minnesota that is consistent with those services offered in the metropolitan area; and
60.17 	(4) events and meetings with other innovation-related organizations to inform 
60.18 	entrepreneurs and potential investors about Minnesota's growing innovation economy.
60.19 		Subd. 8.Report. (a) Launch Minnesota shall annually report by December 31 to the 
60.20 	chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the house of representatives and 
60.21 	senate having jurisdiction over economic development policy and finance. Each report shall 
60.22 	include information on the work completed, including awards made by the department under 
60.23 	this section and progress toward transferring the activities of Launch Minnesota to an entity 
60.24 	outside of state government.
60.25 	(b) By December 31, 2024, Launch Minnesota shall provide a comprehensive transition 
60.26 	plan to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the house of 
60.27 	representatives and senate having jurisdiction over economic development policy and 
60.28 	finance. The transition plan shall include: (1) a detailed strategy for the transfer of Launch 
60.29 	Minnesota activities to an entity outside of state government; (2) the projected date of the 
60.30 	transfer; and (3) the role of the state, if any, in ongoing activities of Launch Minnesota or 
60.31 	its successor entity.
60.32 		Subd. 9.Advisory board. (a) The commissioner shall establish an advisory board to 
60.33 	advise the executive director regarding the activities of Launch Minnesota, make the 
61.1 	recommendations described in this section, and develop and initiate a strategic plan for 
61.2 	transferring some activities of Launch Minnesota to a new or existing public-private 
61.3 	partnership or nonprofit organization outside of state government.
61.4 	(b) The advisory board shall consist of ten members and is governed by Minnesota 
61.5 	Statutes, section 15.059. A minimum of seven members must be from the private sector 
61.6 	representing business and at least two members but no more than three members must be 
61.7 	from government and higher education. At least three of the members of the advisory board 
61.8 	shall be from greater Minnesota and at least three members shall be minority group members. 
61.9 	Appointees shall represent a range of interests, including entrepreneurs, large businesses, 
61.10 	industry organizations, investors, and both public and private small business service 
61.11 	providers.
61.12 	(c) The advisory board shall select a chair from its private sector members. The executive 
61.13 	director shall provide administrative support to the committee.
61.14 	(d) The commissioner, or a designee, shall serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of 
61.15 	the advisory board.

61.16 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.9924, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
61.17 		Subd. 4.Grant amount; project phasing. (a) The commissioner shall award grants in 
61.18 	an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 $3,000,000 per grant.
61.19 	(b) A grant awarded under this section must be no less than the amount required to 
61.20 	complete one or more phases of the project, less any nonstate funds already committed for 
61.21 	such activities.

61.22 	Sec. 12. [116J.9925] COMMUNITY WEALTH-BUILDING GRANT PROGRAM.
61.23 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have 
61.24 	the meanings given.
61.25 	(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
61.26 	(c) "Community business" means a cooperative, an employee-owned business, or a 
61.27 	commercial land trust that is at least 51 percent owned by individuals from targeted groups.
61.28 	(d) "Partner organization" means a community development financial institution or 
61.29 	nonprofit corporation.
61.30 	(e) "Program" means the community wealth-building grant program created under this 
61.31 	section.
62.1 	(f) "Targeted groups" means persons who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, 
62.2 	immigrants, low-income, women, veterans, or persons with disabilities.
62.3 		Subd. 2.Establishment. The commissioner shall establish a community wealth-building 
62.4 	grant program to award grants to partner organizations to fund low-interest loans to 
62.5 	community businesses. The program must encourage tax-base revitalization, private 
62.6 	investment, job creation for targeted groups, creation and strengthening of business 
62.7 	enterprises, assistance to displaced businesses, and promotion of economic development in 
62.8 	low-income areas.
62.9 		Subd. 3.Grants to partner organizations. (a) The commissioner shall award grants to 
62.10 	partner organizations through a competitive grant process where applicants apply using a 
62.11 	form designed by the commissioner. In evaluating applications, the commissioner shall 
62.12 	consider whether the applicant:
62.13 	(1) has a board of directors that includes members experienced in business and community 
62.14 	development, operating community businesses, addressing racial income disparities, and 
62.15 	creating jobs for targeted groups;
62.16 	(2) has the technical skills to analyze projects;
62.17 	(3) is familiar with other available public and private funding sources and economic 
62.18 	development programs;
62.19 	(4) can initiate and implement economic development projects;
62.20 	(5) can establish a program and administer funds;
62.21 	(6) can work with job referral networks assisting targeted groups; and
62.22 	(7) has established relationships with communities of targeted groups.
62.23 	(b) The commissioner shall ensure that loans through the program will fund community 
62.24 	businesses statewide and shall make reasonable attempts to balance the amount of funding 
62.25 	available to community businesses inside and outside of the metropolitan area as defined 
62.26 	under section 473.121, subdivision 2.
62.27 	(c) Partner organizations that receive grants under this subdivision shall use up to ten 
62.28 	percent of their award to provide specialized technical and legal assistance, either directly 
62.29 	or through a partnership with organizations with expertise in shared ownership structures, 
62.30 	to community businesses and businesses in the process of transitioning to community 
62.31 	ownership.
63.1 	(d) Grants under this subdivision are available for five years. The commissioner shall 
63.2 	review existing grant agreements every five years and may renew or terminate the agreement 
63.3 	based on that review and consideration of the criteria under paragraph (a).
63.4 		Subd. 4.Loans to community businesses. (a) A partner organization that receives a 
63.5 	grant under subdivision 3 shall establish a plan for making low-interest loans to community 
63.6 	businesses. The plan requires approval by the commissioner.
63.7 	(b) Under the plan:
63.8 	(1) the state contribution to each loan shall be no less than $50,000 and no more than 
63.9 	$2,500,000;
63.10 	(2) loans shall be made for projects that are unlikely to be undertaken unless a loan is 
63.11 	received under the program;
63.12 	(3) priority shall be given to loans to businesses in the lowest income areas;
63.13 	(4) the interest rate on a loan shall not be higher than the Wall Street Journal prime rate;
63.14 	(5) 50 percent of all repayments of principal on a loan under the program shall be repaid 
63.15 	to the community wealth-building account created under subdivision 5. The partner 
63.16 	organization may retain the remainder of loan repayments to service loans and provide 
63.17 	further technical assistance;
63.18 	(6) the partner organization may charge a loan origination fee of no more than one 
63.19 	percent of the loan value and may retain that origination fee; and
63.20 	(7) a partner organization may not make a loan to a project in which it has an ownership 
63.21 	interest.
63.22 		Subd. 5.Community wealth-building account. A community wealth-building account 
63.23 	is created in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. Money in the account is 
63.24 	appropriated to the commissioner for grants under this section.
63.25 		Subd. 6.Reports. (a) Grant recipients shall submit an annual report to the commissioner 
63.26 	by January 31 of each year they participate in the program. The report shall include:
63.27 	(1) an account of all loans made through the program the preceding calendar year and 
63.28 	the impact of those loans on community businesses and job creation for targeted groups;
63.29 	(2) information on the source and amount of money collected and distributed under the 
63.30 	program, its assets and liabilities, and an explanation of administrative expenses; and
64.1 	(3) an independent audit of grant funds performed in accordance with generally accepted 
64.2 	accounting practices and auditing standards.
64.3 	(b) By February 15 of each year beginning in 2024, the commissioner shall submit a 
64.4 	report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with 
64.5 	jurisdiction over workforce and economic development on program outcomes, including 
64.6 	copies of all reports received under paragraph (a).

64.7 	Sec. 13. [116J.9926] EMERGING DEVELOPER FUND PROGRAM.
64.8 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have 
64.9 	the meanings given.
64.10 	(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
64.11 	(c) "Disadvantaged community" means a community where the median household 
64.12 	income is less than 80 percent of the area median income.
64.13 	(d) "Eligible project" means a project that is based in Minnesota and meets one or more 
64.14 	of the following criteria:
64.15 	(1) it will stimulate community stabilization or revitalization;
64.16 	(2) it will be located within a census tract identified as a disadvantaged community or 
64.17 	low-income community;
64.18 	(3) it will directly benefit residents of a low-income household;
64.19 	(4) it will increase the supply and improve the condition of affordable housing and 
64.20 	homeownership;
64.21 	(5) it will support the growth needs of new and existing community-based enterprises 
64.22 	that promote economic stability or improve the supply or quality of job opportunities; or
64.23 	(6) it will promote wealth creation, including by being a project in a neighborhood 
64.24 	traditionally not served by real estate developers.
64.25 	(e) "Emerging developer" means a developer who:
64.26 	(1) has limited access to loans from traditional financial institutions; or
64.27 	(2) is a new or smaller developer who has engaged in educational training in real estate 
64.28 	development; and
64.29 	(3) is either a:
64.30 	(i) minority as defined in section 116M.14, subdivision 6;
65.1 	(ii) woman;
65.2 	(iii) person with a disability, as defined in section 116M.14, subdivision 9; or
65.3 	(iv) low-income person.
65.4 	(f) "Low-income person" means a person who:
65.5 	(1) has a household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level; or
65.6 	(2) has a family income that does not exceed 60 percent of the area median income as 
65.7 	determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
65.8 	(g) "Partner organization" means a community development financial institution or a 
65.9 	similarly qualified nonprofit corporation, as determined by the commissioner.
65.10 	(h) "Program" means the emerging developer fund program created under this section.
65.11 		Subd. 2.Establishment. The commissioner shall establish an emerging developer fund 
65.12 	program to make grants to partner organizations to make grants and loans to emerging 
65.13 	developers for eligible projects to transform neighborhoods statewide and promote economic 
65.14 	development and the creation and retention of jobs in Minnesota. The program must also 
65.15 	reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities by growing the financial capacity of emerging 
65.16 	developers.
65.17 		Subd. 3.Grants to partner organizations. (a) The commissioner shall design a 
65.18 	competitive process to award grants to partner organizations to make grants and loans to 
65.19 	emerging developers under subdivision 4.
65.20 	(b) A partner organization may use up to ten percent of grant funds for the administrative 
65.21 	costs of the program.
65.22 		Subd. 4.Grants and loans to emerging developers. (a) Through the program, partner 
65.23 	organizations shall offer emerging developers predevelopment grants and predevelopment, 
65.24 	construction, and bridge loans for eligible projects according to a plan submitted to and 
65.25 	approved by the commissioner.
65.26 	(b) Predevelopment grants must be for no more than $100,000. All loans must be for no 
65.27 	more than $1,000,000.
65.28 	(c) Loans must be for a term set by the partner organization and approved by the 
65.29 	commissioner of no less than six months and no more than eight years, depending on the 
65.30 	use of loan proceeds.
66.1 	(d) Loans must be for zero interest or an interest rate of no more than the Wall Street 
66.2 	Journal prime rate, as determined by the partner organization and approved by the 
66.3 	commissioner based on the individual project risk and type of loan sought.
66.4 	(e) Loans must have flexible collateral requirements compared to traditional loans, but 
66.5 	may require a personal guaranty from the emerging developer and may be largely unsecured 
66.6 	when the appraised value of the real estate is low.
66.7 	(f) Loans must have no prepayment penalties and are expected to be repaid from 
66.8 	permanent financing or a conventional loan, once that is secured.
66.9 	(g) Loans must have the ability to bridge many types of receivables, such as tax credits, 
66.10 	grants, developer fees, and other forms of long-term financing.
66.11 	(h) At the partner organization's request and the commissioner's discretion, an emerging 
66.12 	developer may be required to work with an experienced developer or professional services 
66.13 	consultant who can offer expertise and advice throughout the development of the project.
66.14 	(i) All loan repayments must be paid into the emerging developer fund account created 
66.15 	in this section to fund additional loans.
66.16 		Subd. 5.Eligible expenses. (a) The following are eligible expenses for a predevelopment 
66.17 	grant or loan under the program:
66.18 	(1) earnest money or purchase deposit;
66.19 	(2) building inspection fees and environmental reviews;
66.20 	(3) appraisal and surveying;
66.21 	(4) design and tax credit application fees;
66.22 	(5) title and recording fees;
66.23 	(6) site preparation, demolition, and stabilization;
66.24 	(7) interim maintenance and project overhead;
66.25 	(8) property taxes and insurance;
66.26 	(9) construction bonds or letters of credit;
66.27 	(10) market and feasibility studies; and
66.28 	(11) professional fees.
66.29 	(b) The following are eligible expenses for a construction or bridge loan under the 
66.30 	program:
67.1 	(1) land or building acquisition;
67.2 	(2) construction-related expenses;
67.3 	(3) developer and contractor fees;
67.4 	(4) site preparation, environmental cleanup, and demolition;
67.5 	(5) financing fees, including title and recording;
67.6 	(6) professional fees;
67.7 	(7) carrying costs;
67.8 	(8) construction period interest;
67.9 	(9) project reserves; and
67.10 	(10) leasehold improvements and equipment purchase.
67.11 		Subd. 6.Emerging developer fund account. An emerging developer fund account is 
67.12 	created in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. Money in the account is appropriated 
67.13 	to the commissioner for grants to partner organizations to make loans under this section.
67.14 		Subd. 7.Reports to the legislature. (a) By January 15 of each year, beginning in 2025, 
67.15 	each partner organization shall submit a report to the commissioner on the use of program 
67.16 	funds and program outcomes.
67.17 	(b) By February 15 of each year, beginning in 2025, the commissioner shall submit a 
67.18 	report to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction 
67.19 	over economic development on the use of program funds and program outcomes.

67.20 	Sec. 14. EMPOWERING ENTERPRISE PROGRAM.
 67.21 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have 
67.22 	the meanings given.
67.23 	(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
67.24 	(c) "Eligible organization" means:
67.25 	(1) a federally certified community development financial institution;
67.26 	(2) a nonprofit organization; or
67.27 	(3) a city.
67.28 	(d) "Entity" includes any registered business or nonprofit organization. This includes 
67.29 	businesses, cooperatives, utilities, industrial, commercial, retail, and nonprofit organizations.
68.1 		Subd. 2.Establishment. The commissioner shall establish a program to make grants to 
68.2 	eligible organizations to develop and implement local economic relief programs designed 
68.3 	with the primary goal of assisting communities adversely affected by civil unrest during 
68.4 	the peacetime emergency declared in governor's Executive Order No. 20-64 by preserving 
68.5 	incumbent entities and encouraging new entities to locate in those areas. To this end, local 
68.6 	programs should include outreach to cultural communities and support for microenterprises.
68.7 		Subd. 3.Available relief. (a) The local programs established by eligible organizations 
68.8 	under this section may include grants or loans as provided in this section, as well as subgrants 
68.9 	to local nonprofits to further the goals of the program. Prior to awarding a grant to an eligible 
68.10 	organization for a local program under this section:
68.11 	(1) the eligible organization must develop criteria, procedures, and requirements for:
68.12 	(i) determining eligibility for assistance;
68.13 	(ii) the duration, terms, underwriting and security requirements, and repayment 
68.14 	requirements for loans;
68.15 	(iii) evaluating applications for assistance;
68.16 	(iv) awarding assistance; and
68.17 	(v) administering the grant and loan programs authorized under this section, including 
68.18 	any subgrants to local nonprofits;
68.19 	(2) the eligible organization must submit its criteria, procedures, and requirements 
68.20 	developed pursuant to clause (1) to the commissioner of employment and economic 
68.21 	development for review; and
68.22 	(3) the commissioner must approve the criteria, procedures, and requirements as 
68.23 	developed pursuant to clause (1) to be used by an eligible organization in determining 
68.24 	eligibility for assistance, evaluating, awarding, and administering a grant and loan program.
68.25 	(b) Relief under this section includes grants to entities. These grants must not exceed 
68.26 	$500,000 per entity, must specify that an entity receiving a grant must remain in the local 
68.27 	community a minimum of three years after the date of the grant, and must require submission 
68.28 	of a plan for continued operation. Grants may be awarded to applicants only when an eligible 
68.29 	organization determines that a loan is not appropriate to address the needs of the applicant.
68.30 	(c) Relief under this section includes loans to entities, with or without interest, and 
68.31 	deferred or forgivable loans. The maximum loan amount under this subdivision is $500,000 
69.1 	per entity. The lending criteria adopted by an eligible organization for loans under this 
69.2 	subdivision must:
69.3 	(1) specify that an entity receiving a deferred or forgivable loan must remain in the local 
69.4 	community a minimum of three years after the date of the loan. The maximum loan deferral 
69.5 	period must not exceed three years from the date the loan is approved; and
69.6 	(2) require submission of a plan for continued operation. The plan must document the 
69.7 	probable success of the applicant's plan and probable success in repaying the loan according 
69.8 	to the terms established for the loan program.
69.9 	(d) All loan repayment funds under this subdivision must be paid to the commissioner 
69.10 	of employment and economic development for deposit in the general fund.
69.11 		Subd. 4.Monitoring and reporting. (a) Participating eligible organizations must 
69.12 	establish performance measures that include but are not limited to the following components:
69.13 	(1) the number of loans approved and the amounts and terms of the loans;
69.14 	(2) the number of grants awarded, award amounts, and the reason that a grant award 
69.15 	was made in lieu of a loan;
69.16 	(3) the loan default rate;
69.17 	(4) the number of jobs created or retained as a result of the assistance, including 
69.18 	information on the wages and benefit levels, the status of the jobs as full-time or part-time, 
69.19 	and the status of the jobs as temporary or permanent; and
69.20 	(5) the amount of business activity and changes in gross revenues of the grant or loan 
69.21 	recipient as a result of the assistance.
69.22 	(b) The commissioner of employment and economic development must monitor the 
69.23 	participating eligible organizations' compliance with this section and the performance 
69.24 	measures developed under paragraph (a).
69.25 	(c) Participating eligible organizations must comply with all requests made by the 
69.26 	commissioner under this section and are responsible for the reporting and compliance of 
69.27 	any subgrantees.
69.28 	(d) By December 15 of each year the program is in existence, participating eligible 
69.29 	organizations must report their performance measures to the commissioner. By January 15 
69.30 	of each year the program is in existence, after the first, the commissioner must submit a 
69.31 	report of these performance measures to the chairs and ranking minority members of the 
70.1 	committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over economic 
70.2 	development that details the use of funds under this section.
70.3 		Subd. 5.Exemptions. (a) Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.993 to 116J.995, do not 
70.4 	apply to assistance under this section. Entities in receipt of assistance under this section 
70.5 	must provide for job creation and retention goals and wage and benefit goals.
70.6 	(b) Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.15, 16B.97, 16B.98, 16B.991, 16C.05, and 16C.053, 
70.7 	do not apply to assistance under this section.
70.8 		Subd. 6.Administrative costs. The commissioner of employment and economic 
70.9 	development may use up to seven percent of the appropriation made for this section for 
70.10 	administrative expenses of the department or for assisting participating eligible organizations 
70.11 	with their administrative expenses.

70.12 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and 
70.13 	expires the day after the last loan is repaid or forgiven as provided under this section.

70.14 	Sec. 15. CANADIAN BORDER COUNTIES ECONOMIC RELIEF PROGRAM.
 70.15 		Subdivision 1.Relief program established. The Northland Foundation must develop 
70.16 	and implement a Canadian border counties economic relief program to assist businesses 
70.17 	adversely affected by the 2021 closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or 
70.18 	the closures of the Canadian border since 2020.
70.19 		Subd. 2.Available relief. (a) The economic relief program established under this section 
70.20 	may include grants provided in this section to the extent that funds are available. Before 
70.21 	awarding a grant to the Northland Foundation for the relief program under this section:
70.22 	(1) the Northland Foundation must develop criteria, procedures, and requirements for:
70.23 	(i) determining eligibility for assistance;
70.24 	(ii) evaluating applications for assistance;
70.25 	(iii) awarding assistance; and
70.26 	(iv) administering the grant program authorized under this section;
70.27 	(2) the Northland Foundation must submit its criteria, procedures, and requirements 
70.28 	developed under clause (1) to the commissioner of employment and economic development 
70.29 	for review; and
70.30 	(3) the commissioner must approve the criteria, procedures, and requirements submitted 
70.31 	under clause (2).
71.1 	(b) The maximum grant to a business under this section is $50,000 per business.
71.2 		Subd. 3.Qualification requirements. To qualify for assistance under this section, a 
71.3 	business must:
71.4 	(1) be located within a county that shares a border with Canada;
71.5 	(2) document a reduction of at least ten percent in gross receipts in 2021 compared to 
71.6 	2019; and
71.7 	(3) provide a written explanation for how the 2021 closure of the Boundary Waters 
71.8 	Canoe Area Wilderness or the closures of the Canadian border since 2020 resulted in the 
71.9 	reduction in gross receipts documented under clause (2).
71.10 		Subd. 4.Monitoring. (a) The Northland Foundation must establish performance 
71.11 	measures, including but not limited to the following components:
71.12 	(1) the number of grants awarded and award amounts for each grant;
71.13 	(2) the number of jobs created or retained as a result of the assistance, including 
71.14 	information on the wages and benefit levels, the status of the jobs as full time or part time, 
71.15 	and the status of the jobs as temporary or permanent;
71.16 	(3) the amount of business activity and changes in gross revenues of the grant recipient 
71.17 	as a result of the assistance; and
71.18 	(4) the new tax revenue generated as a result of the assistance.
71.19 	(b) The commissioner of employment and economic development must monitor the 
71.20 	Northland Foundation's compliance with this section and the performance measures 
71.21 	developed under paragraph (a).
71.22 	(c) The Northland Foundation must comply with all requests made by the commissioner 
71.23 	under this section.
71.24 		Subd. 5.Business subsidy requirements. Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.993 to 
71.25 	116J.995, do not apply to assistance under this section. Businesses in receipt of assistance 
71.26 	under this section must provide for job creation and retention goals, and wage and benefit 
71.27 	goals.
71.28 		Subd. 6.Administrative costs. The commissioner of employment and economic 
71.29 	development may use up to one percent of the appropriation made for this section for 
71.30 	administrative expenses of the department.

71.31 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023, and expires June 30, 2024.

72.1 	Sec. 16. REPEALER.
 72.2 	Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.9924, subdivision 6, and Laws 2019, First Special 
72.3 	Session chapter 7, article 2, section 8, as amended by Laws 2021, First Special Session 
72.4 	chapter 10, article 2, section 19,  is repealed.

72.5 	ARTICLE 4
72.6 	WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT POLICY

72.7 	Section 1. [116J.545] GETTING TO WORK GRANT PROGRAM.
72.8 		Subdivision 1.Creation. The commissioner of employment and economic development 
72.9 	shall make grants to nonprofit organizations to establish and operate programs under this 
72.10 	section that provide, repair, or maintain motor vehicles to assist eligible individuals to obtain 
72.11 	or maintain employment. All grants shall be for two years.
72.12 		Subd. 2.Qualified grantee. A grantee must:
72.13 	(1) qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
72.14 	(2) at the time of application, offer or have the demonstrated capacity to offer a motor 
72.15 	vehicle program that provides the services required under subdivision 3.
72.16 		Subd. 3.Program requirements. (a) A program must offer one or more of the following 
72.17 	services:
72.18 	(1) provision of new or used motor vehicles by gift, sale, or lease;
72.19 	(2) motor vehicle repair and maintenance services; or
72.20 	(3) motor vehicle loans.
72.21 	(b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a), a program must offer one or more 
72.22 	of the following services:
72.23 	(1) financial literacy education;
72.24 	(2) education on budgeting for vehicle ownership;
72.25 	(3) car maintenance and repair instruction;
72.26 	(4) credit counseling; or
72.27 	(5) job training related to motor vehicle maintenance and repair.
73.1 		Subd. 4.Application. Applications for a grant must be on a form provided by the 
73.2 	commissioner and on a schedule set by the commissioner. Applications must, in addition 
73.3 	to any other information required by the commissioner, include the following:
73.4 	(1) a detailed description of all services to be offered;
73.5 	(2) the area to be served;
73.6 	(3) the estimated number of program participants to be served by the grant; and
73.7 	(4) a plan for leveraging resources from partners that may include but are not limited 
73.8 	to:
73.9 	(i) automobile dealers;
73.10 	(ii) automobile parts dealers;
73.11 	(iii) independent local mechanics and automobile repair facilities;
73.12 	(iv) banks and credit unions;
73.13 	(v) employers;
73.14 	(vi) employment and training agencies;
73.15 	(vii) insurance companies and agents;
73.16 	(viii) local workforce centers; and
73.17 	(ix) educational institutions, including vocational institutions and jobs or skills training 
73.18 	programs.
73.19 		Subd. 5.Participant eligibility. (a) To be eligible to receive program services, a person 
73.20 	must:
73.21 	(1) have a household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level;
73.22 	(2) be at least 18 years of age;
73.23 	(3) have a valid driver's license;
73.24 	(4) provide the grantee with proof of motor vehicle insurance; and
73.25 	(5) demonstrate to the grantee that a motor vehicle is required by the person to obtain 
73.26 	or maintain employment.
73.27 	(b) This subdivision does not preclude a grantee from imposing additional requirements, 
73.28 	not inconsistent with paragraph (a), for the receipt of program services.
74.1 		Subd. 6.Report to legislature. By January 15, 2026, and each January 15 in an 
74.2 	even-numbered year thereafter, the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs of the 
74.3 	house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over workforce and 
74.4 	economic development on program outcomes. At a minimum, the report must include:
74.5 	(1) the total number of program participants;
74.6 	(2) the number of program participants who received each of the following:
74.7 	(i) provision of a motor vehicle;
74.8 	(ii) motor vehicle repair services; and
74.9 	(iii) motor vehicle loans;
74.10 	(3) the number of program participants who report that they or their children were able 
74.11 	to increase their participation in community activities such as after school programs, other 
74.12 	youth programs, church or civic groups, or library services as a result of participation in the 
74.13 	program; and
74.14 	(4) an analysis of the impact of the getting to work grant program on the employment 
74.15 	rate and wages of program participants.

74.16 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.5492, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
74.17 		Subd. 8.Meetings. The advisory committee must meet monthly until the energy transition 
74.18 	plan is submitted quarterly and submit an updated energy transition plan annually to the 
74.19 	governor and the legislature. Once submitted, the committee shall develop a regular meeting 
74.20 	schedule as needed. The chair may call additional meetings as necessary.

74.21 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.5492, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
74.22 		Subd. 10.Expiration. This section expires the day after the Minnesota energy transition 
74.23 	plan required under section 116J.5493 is submitted to the legislature and the governor on 
74.24 	June 30, 2027.

74.25 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.55, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
74.26 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. For the purposes of this section, "eligible community" means 
74.27 	a county, municipality, or tribal government located in Minnesota in which an electric 
74.28 	generating plant owned by a public utility, as defined in section 216B.02, that is powered 
74.29 	by coal, nuclear energy, or natural gas:
75.1 	(1) is currently operating and (i) is scheduled to cease operations or, (ii) whose cessation 
75.2 	of operations has been proposed in an integrated resource plan filed with the commission 
75.3 	under section 216B.2422, or (iii) whose current operating license expires within 15 years 
75.4 	of the effective date of this section; or
75.5 	(2) ceased operations or was removed from the local property tax base no earlier than 
75.6 	five years before the date an application is made for a grant under this section.

75.7 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.55, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
75.8 		Subd. 5.Grant awards; limitations. (a) The commissioner must award grants under 
75.9 	this section to eligible communities through a competitive grant process.
75.10 	(b)(a) A grant awarded to an eligible community under this section must not exceed 
75.11 	$500,000 $1,000,000 in any calendar year. The commissioner may accept grant applications 
75.12 	on an ongoing or rolling basis.
75.13 	(c) (b) Grants funded with revenues from the renewable development account established 
75.14 	in section 116C.779 must be awarded to an eligible community located within the retail 
75.15 	electric service territory of the public utility that is subject to section 116C.779 or to an 
75.16 	eligible community in which an electric generating plant owned by that public utility is 
75.17 	located.

75.18 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.55, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
75.19 		Subd. 6.Eligible expenditures. (a) Money in the account established in subdivision 3 
75.20 	must be used only to:
75.21 	(1) award grants to eligible communities under this section; and
75.22 	(2) reimburse the department's reasonable costs to administer this section, up to a 
75.23 	maximum of five percent of the appropriation made to the commissioner under this section.
75.24 	The commissioner may transfer part of the allowable administrative portion of this 
75.25 	appropriation to the Environmental Quality Board to assist communities with regulatory 
75.26 	coordination and dedicated technical assistance on conversion for these communities.
75.27 	(b) An eligible community awarded a grant under this section may use the grant to plan 
75.28 	for or address the economic and social impacts on the eligible community of the electric 
75.29 	generating plant's cessation of operations, including but not limited to land use studies, 
75.30 	economic planning, researching, planning, and implementing activities, capital costs of 
75.31 	public infrastructure necessary for economic development, and impact studies and other 
75.32 	planning activities enabling communities to become shovel-ready and support the transition 
76.1 	from power plants to other economic activities to minimize the negative impacts of power 
76.2 	plant closures on tax revenues and jobs designed to:
76.3 	(1) assist workers at the plant find new employment, including worker retraining and 
76.4 	developing small business start-up skills;
76.5 	(2) increase the eligible community's property tax base; and
76.6 	(3) develop alternative economic development strategies to attract new employers to the 
76.7 	eligible community.

76.8 	Sec. 7. [116J.659] OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS.
76.9 		Subdivision 1.Office established; purpose. (a) The Office of New Americans is 
76.10 	established within the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The governor 
76.11 	must appoint an assistant commissioner who serves in the unclassified service. The assistant 
76.12 	commissioner must hire a program manager and an office assistant, as well as any staff 
76.13 	necessary to carry out the office's duties under subdivision 2.
76.14 	(b) The purpose of the office is to serve immigrants and refugees in Minnesota by:
76.15 	(1) addressing challenges that face immigrants and refugees in Minnesota, and creating 
76.16 	access in economic development and workforce programs and services; and
76.17 	(2) providing interstate agency coordination, policy reviews, and guidance that assist in 
76.18 	creating access to immigrants and refugees.
76.19 		Subd. 2.Duties. (a) The office has the duty to:
76.20 	(1) create and implement a statewide strategy to support immigrant and refugee integration 
76.21 	into Minnesota communities;
76.22 	(2) address the state's workforce needs by connecting employers and job seekers within 
76.23 	the immigrant and refugee community;
76.24 	(3) identify strategies to reduce employment barriers, including the creation of alternative 
76.25 	pathways for immigrants and refugees;
76.26 	(4) support programs and activities designed to ensure equitable access to the workforce 
76.27 	for immigrants and refugees, including those who are disabled;
76.28 	(5) support equitable opportunities for immigrants and refugees to access state government 
76.29 	services and grants;
77.1 	(6) work with state agencies and community and foundation partners to undertake studies 
77.2 	and research and analyze economic and demographic trends to better understand and serve 
77.3 	the state's immigrant and refugee communities;
77.4 	(7) coordinate and establish best practices for language access initiatives to all state 
77.5 	agencies;
77.6 	(8) convene stakeholders and provide assistance and recommendations to the governor 
77.7 	on issues impacting immigrants and refugees;
77.8 	(9) make policy recommendations to the governor on issues impacting immigrants and 
77.9 	refugees;
77.10 	(10) develop systems of communication and collaboration with local offices and service 
77.11 	providers to ensure that immigrants and refugees can access support available to them to 
77.12 	address multisectoral barriers to success, including in the areas of employment, housing, 
77.13 	legal services, health care, and education;
77.14 	(11) collaborate with existing immigrant and refugee inclusion positions and offices at 
77.15 	the city and county level statewide;
77.16 	(12) encourage and support the creation of new immigrant and refugee inclusion positions 
77.17 	and offices at the city and county level statewide;
77.18 	(13) serve as the point of contact for immigrants and refugees accessing resources both 
77.19 	within the department and with boards charged with oversight of a profession;
77.20 	(14) promulgate rules necessary to implement and effectuate this section;
77.21 	(15) provide an annual report, as required by subdivision 3; and
77.22 	(16) perform any other activities consistent with the office's purpose.
77.23 		Subd. 3.Reporting. (a) Beginning January 15, 2024, and each year thereafter, the Office 
77.24 	of New Americans shall report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the 
77.25 	office's activities during the previous year.
77.26 	(b) The report shall contain, at a minimum:
77.27 	(1) a summary of the office's activities;
77.28 	(2) suggested policies, incentives, and legislation designed to accelerate the achievement 
77.29 	of the duties under subdivision 2;
77.30 	(3) any proposed legislative and policy initiatives;
77.31 	(4) the amount and types of grants awarded under subdivision 6; and
78.1 	(5) any other information deemed necessary and requested by the legislative committees 
78.2 	with jurisdiction over the office.
78.3 	(c) The report may be submitted electronically and is subject to section 3.195, subdivision 
78.4 	1.
78.5 		Subd. 4.Interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Immigrant and Refugee 
78.6 	Affairs. (a) An interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs 
78.7 	is established to advise the Office of New Americans.
78.8 	(b) The purpose of the council is to identify and establish ways in which state departments 
78.9 	and agencies can work together to deliver state programs and services effectively and 
78.10 	efficiently to Minnesota's immigrant and refugee populations. The council shall implement 
78.11 	policies, procedures, and programs requested by the governor through the state departments 
78.12 	and offices.
78.13 	(c) The council shall be chaired by the assistant commissioner of the Office of New 
78.14 	Americans and shall be comprised of the commissioners, department directors, or senior 
78.15 	leadership designees, from the following state departments and offices:
78.16 	(1) the governor's office;
78.17 	(2) the Department of Administration;
78.18 	(3) the Department of Employment and Economic Development;
78.19 	(4) the Department of Human Services;
78.20 	(5) the Department of Human Services Resettlement Program Office;
78.21 	(6) the Department of Labor and Industry;
78.22 	(7) the Department of Health;
78.23 	(8) the Department of Education;
78.24 	(9) the Office of Higher Education;
78.25 	(10) the Department of Public Safety;
78.26 	(11) the Department of Corrections;
78.27 	(12) the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage;
78.28 	(13) the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs; and
78.29 	(14) the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans.
79.1 	(d) Each department or office serving as a member of the council shall designate one 
79.2 	staff member as an immigrant and refugee services liaison. The liaisons' responsibilities 
79.3 	shall include:
79.4 	(1) preparation and dissemination of information and services available to immigrants 
79.5 	and refugees; and
79.6 	(2) interfacing with the Office of New Americans on issues that impact immigrants and 
79.7 	refugees and their communities.
79.8 		Subd. 5.No right of action. Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any 
79.9 	right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party 
79.10 	against the state; its departments, agencies, or entities; its officers, employees, or agents; 
79.11 	or any other person.
79.12 		Subd. 6.Grants. The office may apply for grants for interested state agencies, community 
79.13 	partners, and stakeholders under this section to carry out the duties under subdivision 2. In 
79.14 	awarding grants, the commissioner must allocate grants as evenly as practicable among 
79.15 	interested parties.

79.16 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.361, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
79.17 		Subd. 7.Very Low income. "Very Low income" means incomes that are at or less than 
79.18 	50 80 percent of the area median income, adjusted for family size, as estimated by the 
79.19 	Department of Housing and Urban Development.

79.20 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.362, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
79.21 		Subdivision 1.Generally. (a) The commissioner shall make grants to eligible 
79.22 	organizations for programs to provide education and training services to targeted youth. 
79.23 	The purpose of these programs is to provide specialized training and work experience for 
79.24 	targeted youth who have not been served effectively by the current educational system. The 
79.25 	programs are to include a work experience component with work projects that result in the 
79.26 	rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of (1) residential units for the homeless; (2) 
79.27 	improvements to the energy efficiency and environmental health of residential units and 
79.28 	other green jobs purposes; (3) facilities to support community garden projects; or (4) 
79.29 	education, social service, or health facilities which are owned by a public agency or a private 
79.30 	nonprofit organization.
79.31 	(b) Eligible facilities must principally provide services to homeless or very low income 
79.32 	individuals and families, and include the following:
80.1 	(1) Head Start or day care centers, including playhouses or similar incidental structures;
80.2 	(2) homeless, battered women, or other shelters;
80.3 	(3) transitional housing and tiny houses;
80.4 	(4) youth or senior citizen centers;
80.5 	(5) community health centers; and
80.6 	(6) community garden facilities.
80.7 	Two or more eligible organizations may jointly apply for a grant. The commissioner 
80.8 	shall administer the grant program.

80.9 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.364, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
80.10 		Subd. 3.Work experience component. A work experience component must be included 
80.11 	in each program. The work experience component must provide vocational skills training 
80.12 	in an industry where there is a viable expectation of job opportunities. A training subsidy, 
80.13 	living allowance, or stipend, not to exceed an amount equal to 100 percent of the poverty 
80.14 	line for a family of two as defined in United States Code, title 42, section 673, paragraph 
80.15 	(2) the final rules and regulations of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, may 
80.16 	be provided to program participants. The wage or stipend must be provided to participants 
80.17 	who are recipients of public assistance in a manner or amount which will not reduce public 
80.18 	assistance benefits. The work experience component must be designed so that work projects 
80.19 	result in (1) the expansion or improvement of residential units for homeless persons and 
80.20 	very low income families; (2) improvements to the energy efficiency and environmental 
80.21 	health of residential units; (3) facilities to support community garden projects; or (4) 
80.22 	rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of eligible education, social service, or health 
80.23 	facilities that principally serve homeless or very low income individuals and families. Any 
80.24 	work project must include direct supervision by individuals skilled in each specific vocation. 
80.25 	Program participants may earn credits toward the completion of their secondary education 
80.26 	from their participation in the work experience component.

80.27 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.365, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
80.28 		Subdivision 1.Priority for housing. Any residential or transitional housing units that 
80.29 	become available through a work project that is part of the program described in section 
80.30 	116L.364 must be allocated in the following order:
81.1 	(1) homeless targeted youth who have participated in constructing, rehabilitating, or 
81.2 	improving the unit;
81.3 	(2) homeless families with at least one dependent;
81.4 	(3) other homeless individuals;
81.5 	(4) other very low income families and individuals; and
81.6 	(5) families or individuals that receive public assistance and that do not qualify in any 
81.7 	other priority group.

81.8 	Sec. 12. [116L.43] TARGETED POPULATIONS WORKFORCE GRANTS.
81.9 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have 
81.10 	the meanings given.
81.11 	(b) "Community-based organization" means a nonprofit organization that:
81.12 	(1) provides workforce development programming or services;
81.13 	(2) has an annual organizational budget of no more than $1,000,000;
81.14 	(3) has its primary office located in a historically underserved community of color or 
81.15 	low-income community; and
81.16 	(4) serves a population that generally reflects the demographics of that local community.
81.17 	(c) "Entry level jobs" means part-time or full-time jobs that an individual can perform 
81.18 	without any prior education or experience.
81.19 	(d) "High wage" means the income needed for a family to cover minimum necessary 
81.20 	expenses in a given geographic area, including food, child care, health care, housing, and 
81.21 	transportation.
81.22 	(e) "Industry specific certification" means a credential an individual can earn to show 
81.23 	proficiency in a particular area or skill.
81.24 	(f) "Remedial training" means additional training provided to staff following the 
81.25 	identification of a need and intended to increase proficiency in performing job tasks.
81.26 	(g) "Small business" has the same meaning as section 645.445.
81.27 		Subd. 2.Job and entrepreneurial skills training grants. (a) The commissioner shall 
81.28 	establish a job and entrepreneurial skills training grant program that must provide competitive 
81.29 	funding to community-based organizations to provide skills training that leads to employment 
81.30 	or business development in high-growth industries.
82.1 	(b) Eligible forms of skills training include:
82.2 	(1) student tutoring and testing support services;
82.3 	(2) training and employment placement in high-wage and high-growth employment;
82.4 	(3) assistance in obtaining industry specific certifications;
82.5 	(4) remedial training leading to enrollment in further training or education;
82.6 	(5) real-time work experience or on-the-job training;
82.7 	(6) career and educational counseling;
82.8 	(7) work experience and internships;
82.9 	(8) supportive services;
82.10 	(9) tuition reimbursement for new entrants into public sector careers;
82.11 	(10) career mentorship;
82.12 	(11) postprogram case management services;
82.13 	(12) job placement services; and
82.14 	(13) the cost of corporate board of director training for people of color.
82.15 	(c) Grant awards must not exceed $750,000 per year per organization and all funding 
82.16 	awards must be made for the duration of a biennium. An organization may partner with 
82.17 	another organization to utilize grant awards, provided that the organizations must not be 
82.18 	funded to deliver the same services. Grants awarded under this subdivision are not subject 
82.19 	to section 116L.98.
82.20 		Subd. 3.Diversity and inclusion training for small employers. (a) The commissioner 
82.21 	shall establish a diversity and inclusion training grant program which shall provide 
82.22 	competitive grants to small businesses for diversity and inclusion training, including the 
82.23 	creation and implementation of a plan to actively engage, hire, and retain people of color 
82.24 	for both entry level and high-wage opportunities, including management and board of 
82.25 	director positions.
82.26 	(b) Grant awards must not exceed $300,000 per year per business. A business may only 
82.27 	receive one grant for diversity and inclusion training per biennium.
82.28 	(c) Applicants are required to submit a plan for use of the funds. Grant recipients are 
82.29 	required to submit a diversity and inclusion implementation plan after training is completed.
82.30 	(d) Grants awarded under this subdivision are not subject to section 116L.98.
83.1 	(e) Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995 do not apply to assistance under this subdivision.
83.2 		Subd. 4.Capacity building. (a) The commissioner shall establish a capacity building 
83.3 	grant program to provide training services and funding for capacity building to 
83.4 	community-based organizations.
83.5 	(b) Eligible uses of grant awards include covering the cost of workforce program delivery 
83.6 	staff, program infrastructure costs, and workforce training related service model development.
83.7 	(c) Grant awards must not exceed $50,000 per organization and are limited to one grant 
83.8 	per community-based organization.
83.9 	(d) Grants awarded under this subdivision are not subject to section 116L.98.
83.10 	(e) Grant recipients must submit a report to the commissioner outlining the use of grant 
83.11 	funds and the impact of that funding on the community-based organization's future ability 
83.12 	to provide workforce development services.

83.13 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.56, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
83.14 		Subd. 2.Eligible applicant. "Eligible applicant" means an individual who is between 
83.15 	the ages of 14 and 21 24 and economically disadvantaged.
83.16 	An at-risk youth who is classified as a family of one is deemed economically 
83.17 	disadvantaged. For purposes of eligibility determination the following individuals are 
83.18 	considered at risk:
83.19 	(1) a pregnant or parenting youth;
83.20 	(2) a youth with limited English proficiency;
83.21 	(3) a potential or actual school dropout;
83.22 	(4) a youth in an offender or diversion program;
83.23 	(5) a public assistance recipient or a recipient of group home services;
83.24 	(6) a youth with disabilities including learning disabilities;
83.25 	(7) a child of drug or alcohol abusers or a youth with substance use disorder;
83.26 	(8) a homeless or runaway youth;
83.27 	(9) a youth with basic skills deficiency;
83.28 	(10) a youth with an educational attainment of one or more levels below grade level 
83.29 	appropriate to age; or
84.1 	(11) a foster child.

84.2 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.561, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
84.3 		Subd. 5.Allocation formula. Seventy percent of Minnesota youth program funds must 
84.4 	be allocated based on the county's share of economically disadvantaged youth. The remaining 
84.5 	30 percent must be allocated based on the county's share of population ages 14 to 21 24.

84.6 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.562, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
84.7 		Subd. 2.Definitions. For purposes of this section:
84.8 	(1) "eligible organization" or "eligible applicant" means a local government unit, nonprofit 
84.9 	organization, community action agency, or a public school district;
84.10 	(2) "at-risk youth" means youth classified as at-risk under section 116L.56, subdivision 
84.11 	2; and
84.12 	(3) "economically disadvantaged" means youth who are economically disadvantaged as 
84.13 	defined in United States Code, title 29, section 1503 the rules and regulations of the 
84.14 	Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

84.15 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 268.035, subdivision 20, is amended to read:
84.16 		Subd. 20.Noncovered employment. "Noncovered employment" means:
84.17 	(1) employment for the United States government or an instrumentality thereof, including 
84.18 	military service;
84.19 	(2) employment for a state, other than Minnesota, or a political subdivision or 
84.20 	instrumentality thereof;
84.21 	(3) employment for a foreign government;
84.22 	(4) employment covered under the federal Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act;
84.23 	(5) employment for a church or convention or association of churches, or a nonprofit 
84.24 	organization operated primarily for religious purposes that is operated, supervised, controlled, 
84.25 	or principally supported by a church or convention or association of churches;
84.26 	(6) employment for an elementary or secondary school with a curriculum that includes 
84.27 	religious education that is operated by a church, a convention or association of churches, 
84.28 	or a nonprofit organization that is operated, supervised, controlled, or principally supported 
84.29 	by a church or convention or association of churches;
85.1 	(7) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, or a nonprofit organization, of 
85.2 	a duly ordained or licensed minister of a church in the exercise of a ministry or by a member 
85.3 	of a religious order in the exercise of duties required by the order;
85.4 	(8) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, or a nonprofit organization, of 
85.5 	an individual receiving rehabilitation of "sheltered" work in a facility conducted for the 
85.6 	purpose of carrying out a program of rehabilitation for individuals whose earning capacity 
85.7 	is impaired by age or physical or mental deficiency or injury or a program providing 
85.8 	"sheltered" work for individuals who because of an impaired physical or mental capacity 
85.9 	cannot be readily absorbed in the competitive labor market. This clause applies only to 
85.10 	services performed in a facility certified by the Rehabilitation Services Branch of the 
85.11 	department or in a day training or habilitation program licensed by the Department of Human 
85.12 	Services;
85.13 	(9) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, or a nonprofit organization, of 
85.14 	an individual receiving work relief or work training as part of an unemployment work relief 
85.15 	or work training program financed in whole or in part by any federal agency or an agency 
85.16 	of a state or political subdivision thereof. This clause does not apply to programs that require 
85.17 	unemployment benefit coverage for the participants;
85.18 	(10) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, as an elected official, a member 
85.19 	of a legislative body, or a member of the judiciary;
85.20 	(11) employment as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or Air National Guard;
85.21 	(12) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, or instrumentality thereof, of 
85.22 	an individual serving on a temporary basis in case of fire, flood, tornado, or similar 
85.23 	emergency;
85.24 	(13) employment as an election official or election worker for Minnesota or a political 
85.25 	subdivision, if the compensation for that employment was less than $1,000 in a calendar 
85.26 	year;
85.27 	(14) employment for Minnesota that is a major policy-making or advisory position in 
85.28 	the unclassified service;
85.29 	(15) employment for Minnesota in an unclassified position established under section 
85.30 	43A.08, subdivision 1a;
85.31 	(16) employment for a political subdivision of Minnesota that is a nontenured major 
85.32 	policy making or advisory position;
86.1 	(17) domestic employment in a private household, local college club, or local chapter 
86.2 	of a college fraternity or sorority, if the wages paid in any calendar quarter in either the 
86.3 	current or prior calendar year to all individuals in domestic employment totaled less than 
86.4 	$1,000.
86.5 	"Domestic employment" includes all service in the operation and maintenance of a 
86.6 	private household, for a local college club, or local chapter of a college fraternity or sorority 
86.7 	as distinguished from service as an employee in the pursuit of an employer's trade or business;
86.8 	(18) employment of an individual by a son, daughter, or spouse, and employment of a 
86.9 	child under the age of 18 by the child's father or mother;
86.10 	(19) employment of an inmate of a custodial or penal institution;
86.11 	(20) employment for a school, college, or university, by a student who is enrolled and 
86.12 	whose primary relation to the school, college, or university is as a student. This does not 
86.13 	include an individual whose primary relation to the school, college, or university is as an 
86.14 	employee who also takes courses;
86.15 	(21) employment of an individual who is enrolled as a student in a full-time program at 
86.16 	a nonprofit or public educational institution that maintains a regular faculty and curriculum 
86.17 	and has a regularly organized body of students in attendance at the place where its educational 
86.18 	activities are carried on, taken for credit at the institution, that combines academic instruction 
86.19 	with work experience, if the employment is an integral part of the program, and the institution 
86.20 	has so certified to the employer, except that this clause does not apply to employment in a 
86.21 	program established for or on behalf of an employer or group of employers;
86.22 	(22) employment of a foreign college or university student who works on a seasonal or 
86.23 	temporary basis under the J-1 visa summer work travel program described in Code of Federal 
86.24 	Regulations, title 22, section 62.32;
86.25 	(23) employment of university, college, or professional school students in an internship 
86.26 	or other training program with the city of St. Paul or the city of Minneapolis under Laws 
86.27 	1990, chapter 570, article 6, section 3;
86.28 	(24) employment for a hospital by a patient of the hospital. "Hospital" means an institution 
86.29 	that has been licensed by the Department of Health as a hospital;
86.30 	(25) employment as a student nurse for a hospital or a nurses' training school by an 
86.31 	individual who is enrolled and is regularly attending classes in an accredited nurses' training 
86.32 	school;
87.1 	(26) employment as an intern for a hospital by an individual who has completed a 
87.2 	four-year course in an accredited medical school;
87.3 	(27) employment as an insurance salesperson, by other than a corporate officer, if all 
87.4 	the wages from the employment is solely by way of commission. The word "insurance" 
87.5 	includes an annuity and an optional annuity;
87.6 	(28) employment as an officer of a township mutual insurance company or farmer's 
87.7 	mutual insurance company under chapter 67A;
87.8 	(29) employment of a corporate officer, if the officer directly or indirectly, including 
87.9 	through a subsidiary or holding company, owns 25 percent or more of the employer 
87.10 	corporation, and employment of a member of a limited liability company, if the member 
87.11 	directly or indirectly, including through a subsidiary or holding company, owns 25 percent 
87.12 	or more of the employer limited liability company;
87.13 	(30) employment as a real estate salesperson, other than a corporate officer, if all the 
87.14 	wages from the employment is solely by way of commission;
87.15 	(31) employment as a direct seller as defined in United States Code, title 26, section 
87.16 	3508;
87.17 	(32) employment of an individual under the age of 18 in the delivery or distribution of 
87.18 	newspapers or shopping news, not including delivery or distribution to any point for 
87.19 	subsequent delivery or distribution;
87.20 	(33) casual employment performed for an individual, other than domestic employment 
87.21 	under clause (17), that does not promote or advance that employer's trade or business;
87.22 	(34) employment in "agricultural employment" unless it is "covered agricultural 
87.23 	employment" under subdivision 11; or
87.24 	(35) if employment during one-half or more of any pay period was covered employment, 
87.25 	all the employment for the pay period is covered employment; but if during more than 
87.26 	one-half of any pay period the employment was noncovered employment, then all of the 
87.27 	employment for the pay period is noncovered employment. "Pay period" means a period 
87.28 	of not more than a calendar month for which a payment or compensation is ordinarily made 
87.29 	to the employee by the employer.; or
87.30 	(36) employment of a foreign agricultural worker who works on a seasonal or temporary 
87.31 	basis under the H-2A visa temporary agricultural employment program described in Code 
87.32 	of Federal Regulations, title 20, section 655.

88.1 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 268A.15, is amended by adding a subdivision 
88.2 	to read:
88.3 		Subd. 8a.Provider rate increases. (a) Effective July 1, 2023, subject to the availability 
88.4 	of additional funding,  an annual growth factor adjustment of no less than a three percent 
88.5 	increase for providers of extended employment services for persons with severe disabilities 
88.6 	shall be authorized. If there is sufficient funding appropriated, the commissioner shall 
88.7 	increase reimbursement rates by the percentage of this adjustment.
88.8 	(b) The commissioner of management and budget must include an annual inflationary 
88.9 	adjustment in reimbursement rates for providers of extended employment services for 
88.10 	persons with severe disabilities as a budget change request in each biennial detailed 
88.11 	expenditure budget submitted to the legislature under section 16A.11.

88.12 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 357.021, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
88.13 		Subd. 1a.Transmittal of fees to commissioner of management and budget. (a) Every 
88.14 	person, including the state of Minnesota and all bodies politic and corporate, who shall 
88.15 	transact any business in the district court, shall pay to the court administrator of said court 
88.16 	the sundry fees prescribed in subdivision 2. Except as provided in paragraph (d), the court 
88.17 	administrator shall transmit the fees monthly to the commissioner of management and budget 
88.18 	for deposit in the state treasury and credit to the general fund. $30 $60 of each fee collected 
88.19 	in a dissolution action under subdivision 2, clause (1), must be deposited by the commissioner 
88.20 	of management and budget in the special revenue fund and is appropriated to the 
88.21 	commissioner of employment and economic development for the Minnesota Family 
88.22 	Resiliency Partnership under section 116L.96.
88.23 	(b) In a county which has a screener-collector position, fees paid by a county pursuant 
88.24 	to this subdivision shall be transmitted monthly to the county treasurer, who shall apply the 
88.25 	fees first to reimburse the county for the amount of the salary paid for the screener-collector 
88.26 	position. The balance of the fees collected shall then be forwarded to the commissioner of 
88.27 	management and budget for deposit in the state treasury and credited to the general fund. 
88.28 	In a county in a judicial district under section 480.181, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), which 
88.29 	has a screener-collector position, the fees paid by a county shall be transmitted monthly to 
88.30 	the commissioner of management and budget for deposit in the state treasury and credited 
88.31 	to the general fund. A screener-collector position for purposes of this paragraph is an 
88.32 	employee whose function is to increase the collection of fines and to review the incomes 
88.33 	of potential clients of the public defender, in order to verify eligibility for that service.
89.1 	(c) No fee is required under this section from the public authority or the party the public 
89.2 	authority represents in an action for:
89.3 	(1) child support enforcement or modification, medical assistance enforcement, or 
89.4 	establishment of parentage in the district court, or in a proceeding under section 484.702;
89.5 	(2) civil commitment under chapter 253B;
89.6 	(3) the appointment of a public conservator or public guardian or any other action under 
89.7 	chapters 252A and 525;
89.8 	(4) wrongfully obtaining public assistance under section 256.98 or 256D.07, or recovery 
89.9 	of overpayments of public assistance;
89.10 	(5) court relief under chapters 260, 260A, 260B, and 260C;
89.11 	(6) forfeiture of property under sections 169A.63 and 609.531 to 609.5317;
89.12 	(7) recovery of amounts issued by political subdivisions or public institutions under 
89.13 	sections 246.52, 252.27, 256.045, 256.25, 256.87, 256B.042, 256B.14, 256B.15, 256B.37, 
89.14 	260B.331, and 260C.331, or other sections referring to other forms of public assistance;
89.15 	(8) restitution under section 611A.04; or
89.16 	(9) actions seeking monetary relief in favor of the state pursuant to section 16D.14, 
89.17 	subdivision 5.
89.18 	(d) $20 from each fee collected for child support modifications under subdivision 2, 
89.19 	clause (13), must be transmitted to the county treasurer for deposit in the county general 
89.20 	fund and $35 from each fee shall be credited to the state general fund. The fees must be 
89.21 	used by the county to pay for child support enforcement efforts by county attorneys.
89.22 	(e) No fee is required under this section from any federally recognized Indian Tribe or 
89.23 	its representative in an action for:
89.24 	(1) child support enforcement or modification, medical assistance enforcement, or 
89.25 	establishment of parentage in the district court or in a proceeding under section 484.702;
89.26 	(2) civil commitment under chapter 253B;
89.27 	(3) the appointment of a public conservator or public guardian or any other action under 
89.28 	chapters 252A and 525; or
89.29 	(4) court relief under chapters 260, 260A, 260B, 260C, and 260D.

90.1 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 469.40, subdivision 11, is amended to read:
90.2 		Subd. 11.Public infrastructure project. (a) "Public infrastructure project" means a 
90.3 	project financed in part or in whole with public money in order to support the medical 
90.4 	business entity's development plans, as identified in the DMCC development plan. A public 
90.5 	infrastructure project may:
90.6 	(1) acquire real property and other assets associated with the real property;
90.7 	(2) demolish, repair, or rehabilitate buildings;
90.8 	(3) remediate land and buildings as required to prepare the property for acquisition or 
90.9 	development;
90.10 	(4) install, construct, or reconstruct elements of public infrastructure required to support 
90.11 	the overall development of the destination medical center development district including,
90.12 	but not limited to,: streets, roadways, utilities systems and related facilities,; utility relocations 
90.13 	and replacements,; network and communication systems,; streetscape improvements,;
90.14 	drainage systems,; sewer and water systems,; subgrade structures and associated 
90.15 	improvements,; landscaping,; facade construction and restoration,; design and predesign, 
90.16 	including architectural, engineering, and similar services; legal, regulatory, and other 
90.17 	compliance services; construction costs, including all materials and supplies; wayfinding 
90.18 	and signage,; community engagement; transit costs incurred on or after March 16, 2020;
90.19 	and other components of community infrastructure;
90.20 	(5) acquire, construct or reconstruct, and equip parking facilities and other facilities to 
90.21 	encourage intermodal transportation and public transit;
90.22 	(6) install, construct or reconstruct, furnish, and equip parks, cultural, and recreational 
90.23 	facilities, facilities to promote tourism and hospitality, conferencing and conventions, and 
90.24 	broadcast and related multimedia infrastructure;
90.25 	(7) make related site improvements including, without limitation, excavation, earth 
90.26 	retention, soil stabilization and correction, and site improvements to support the destination 
90.27 	medical center development district;
90.28 	(8) prepare land for private development and to sell or lease land;
90.29 	(9) provide costs of relocation benefits to occupants of acquired properties; and
90.30 	(10) construct and equip all or a portion of one or more suitable structures on land owned 
90.31 	by the city for sale or lease to private development; provided, however, that the portion of 
91.1 	any structure directly financed by the city as a public infrastructure project must not be sold 
91.2 	or leased to a medical business entity.
91.3 	(b) A public infrastructure project is not a business subsidy under section 116J.993.
91.4 	(c) Public infrastructure project includes the planning, preparation, and modification of 
91.5 	the development plan under section 469.43. The cost of that planning, preparation, and any 
91.6 	modification is a capital cost of the public infrastructure project.

91.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

91.8 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 469.47, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
91.9 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
91.10 	the meanings given them.
91.11 	(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
91.12 	(c) "Construction projects" means:
91.13 	(1) for expenditures by a medical business entity, construction of buildings in the city 
91.14 	for which the building permit was issued after June 30, 2013; and
91.15 	(2) for any other expenditures, construction of privately owned buildings and other 
91.16 	improvements that are undertaken pursuant to or as part of the development plan and are 
91.17 	located within a medical center development district.
91.18 	(d) "Expenditures" means expenditures made by a medical business entity or by an 
91.19 	individual or private entity on construction projects for the capital cost of the project 
91.20 	including, but not limited to:
91.21 	(1) design and predesign, including architectural, engineering, and similar services;
91.22 	(2) legal, regulatory, and other compliance costs of the project;
91.23 	(3) land acquisition, demolition of existing improvements, and other site preparation 
91.24 	costs;
91.25 	(4) construction costs, including all materials and supplies of the project; and
91.26 	(5) equipment and furnishings that are attached to or become part of the real property.
91.27 	Expenditures excludes supplies and other items with a useful life of less than a year that 
91.28 	are not used or consumed in constructing improvements to real property or are otherwise 
91.29 	chargeable to capital costs.
92.1 	(e) "Qualified expenditures for the year" means the total certified expenditures since 
92.2 	June 30, 2013, through the end of the preceding year, minus $200,000,000.
92.3 	(f) "Transit costs" means the portions of a public infrastructure project that are for public 
92.4 	transit intended primarily to serve the district, such as including but not limited to buses 
92.5 	and other means of transit, transit stations, equipment, bus charging stations or bus charging 
92.6 	equipment, rights-of-way, and similar costs permitted under section 469.40, subdivision 
92.7 	11. This provision includes transit costs incurred on or after March 16, 2020.

92.8 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

92.9 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 469.47, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
92.10 		Subd. 5.State transit aid. (a) The city qualifies for state transit aid under this section 
92.11 	if the county contributes the required local matching contribution under subdivision 6 or 
92.12 	the city or county has agreed to make an equivalent contribution out of other funds for the 
92.13 	year.
92.14 	(b) If the city qualifies for aid under paragraph (a), the commissioner must pay the city 
92.15 	the state transit aid in the amount calculated under this paragraph. The amount of the state 
92.16 	transit aid for a year equals the qualified expenditures for the year, as certified by the 
92.17 	commissioner, multiplied by 0.75 percent, reduced bysubject to the amount of the required 
92.18 	local contribution under subdivision 6. City or county contributions that are in excess of 
92.19 	this ratio carry forward and are credited toward subsequent years. The maximum amount 
92.20 	of state transit aid payable in any year is limited to no more than $7,500,000. If the 
92.21 	commissioner determines that the city or county has not made the full required matching 
92.22 	local contribution for the year, the commissioner must pay state transit aid only in proportion 
92.23 	to the amount offor the matching contribution made for the year and any unpaid amount 
92.24 	is a carryover aid. The carryover aid must be paid in the first year after the required matching 
92.25 	contribution for that prior year is made and in which the aid entitlement for the current year 
92.26 	is less than the maximum annual limit, but only to the extent the carryover, when added to 
92.27 	the current year aid, is less than the maximum annual limit.
92.28 	(c) The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget, 
92.29 	and representatives of the city and the corporation, must establish a total limit on the amount 
92.30 	of state aid payable under this subdivision that will be adequate to finance, in combination 
92.31 	with the local contribution, $116,000,000 of transit costs.
93.1 	(d) The city must use state transit aid it receives under this subdivision for transit costs. 
93.2 	The city must maintain appropriate records to document the use of the funds under this 
93.3 	requirement.

93.4 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

93.5 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 517.08, subdivision 1c, is amended to read:
93.6 		Subd. 1c.Disposition of license fee. (a) Of the civil marriage license fee collected 
93.7 	pursuant to subdivision 1b, paragraph (a), $25 must be retained by the county. The local 
93.8 	registrar must pay $90 to the commissioner of management and budget to be deposited as 
93.9 	follows:
93.10 	(1) $55 $25 in the general fund;
93.11 	(2) $3 in the state government special revenue fund to be appropriated to the 
93.12 	commissioner of public safety for parenting time centers under section 119A.37;
93.13 	(3) $2 in the special revenue fund to be appropriated to the commissioner of health for 
93.14 	developing and implementing the MN ENABL program under section 145.9255;
93.15 	(4) $25 $55 in the special revenue fund is appropriated to the commissioner of 
93.16 	employment and economic development for the Minnesota Family Resiliency Partnership 
93.17 	under section 116L.96; and
93.18 	(5) $5 in the special revenue fund, which is appropriated to the Board of Regents of the 
93.19 	University of Minnesota for the Minnesota couples on the brink project under section 137.32.
93.20 	(b) Of the $40 fee under subdivision 1b, paragraph (b), $25 must be retained by the 
93.21 	county. The local registrar must pay $15 to the commissioner of management and budget 
93.22 	to be deposited as follows:
93.23 	(1) $5 as provided in paragraph (a), clauses (2) and (3); and
93.24 	(2) $10 in the special revenue fund is appropriated to the commissioner of employment 
93.25 	and economic development for the Minnesota Family Resiliency Partnership under section 
93.26 	116L.96.

93.27 	Sec. 23. MINNESOTA EMPLOYER REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FUND.
 93.28 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this 
93.29 	subdivision have the meanings given.
94.1 	(b) "Applicant" means any person, whether employed or unemployed, seeking or entering 
94.2 	into any arrangement for employment or change of employment with an eligible employer.
94.3 	(c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
94.4 	(d) "Eligible employer" means an employer domiciled within the legal boundaries of 
94.5 	Minnesota and having its principal place of business as identified in its certificate of 
94.6 	incorporation in the state of Minnesota who:
94.7 	(1) employs not more than 500 employees on any business day during the preceding 
94.8 	calendar year; and
94.9 	(2) generates $5,000,000 or less in gross annual revenue.
94.10 	(e) "Employee" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 363A.03, 
94.11 	subdivision 15.
94.12 	(f) "Individual with a disability" has the meaning given to "qualified disabled person" 
94.13 	in Minnesota Statutes, section 363A.03, subdivision 36.
94.14 	(g) "Reasonable accommodation" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 
94.15 	363A.08, subdivision 6.
94.16 		Subd. 2.Reimbursement grant program established. The commissioner shall establish 
94.17 	a reasonable accommodation reimbursement grant program that reimburses eligible 
94.18 	employers for the cost of expenses incurred in providing reasonable accommodations for 
94.19 	individuals with a disability who are either applicants or employees of the eligible employer.
94.20 		Subd. 3.Application. (a) The commissioner must develop forms and procedures for 
94.21 	soliciting and reviewing applications for reimbursement under this section.
94.22 	(b) The program shall award reimbursements to eligible employers to the extent that 
94.23 	funds are available in the account established under subdivision 5 for this purpose.
94.24 	(c) Applications shall be processed on a first-received, first-processed basis within each 
94.25 	fiscal year until funding is exhausted. Applications received after funding has been exhausted 
94.26 	in a fiscal year are not eligible for reimbursement.
94.27 	(d) Documentation for reimbursement shall be provided by eligible employers in a form 
94.28 	approved by the commissioner.
94.29 		Subd. 4.Reimbursement awards. The maximum total reimbursement per eligible 
94.30 	employer in a fiscal year is $30,000 and:
95.1 	(1) submissions for onetime reasonable accommodation expenses must be no less than 
95.2 	$250 and no more than $15,000 per individual with a disability; and
95.3 	(2) submissions for ongoing reasonable accommodation expenses have no minimum or 
95.4 	maximum requirements.
95.5 		Subd. 5.Employer reasonable accommodation fund account established. The 
95.6 	employer reasonable accommodation fund account is created as an account in the special 
95.7 	revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes 
95.8 	of  reimbursing eligible employers under this section.
95.9 		Subd. 6.Technical assistance and consultation. The commissioner may provide 
95.10 	technical assistance regarding requests for reasonable accommodations.
95.11 		Subd. 7.Administration and marketing costs. The commissioner may use up to 20 
95.12 	percent of the biennial appropriation for administration and marketing of this section.
95.13 		Subd. 8.Notification. By September 1, 2023, or within 60 days following final enactment, 
95.14 	whichever is later, and each year thereafter by June 30, the commissioner shall make publicly 
95.15 	available information regarding the availability of funds for reasonable accommodation 
95.16 	reimbursement and the procedure for requesting reimbursement under this section.
95.17 		Subd. 9.Reports to the legislature. By January 15, 2024, and each January 15 thereafter 
95.18 	until expiration, the commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority 
95.19 	members of the house of representatives and the senate committees with jurisdiction over 
95.20 	workforce development that details the use of grant funds. This report must include data on 
95.21 	the number of employer reimbursements the program made in the preceding calendar year. 
95.22 	The report must include:
95.23 	(1) the number and type of accommodations requested;
95.24 	(2) the cost of accommodations requested;
95.25 	(3) the employers from which the requests were made;
95.26 	(4) the number and type of accommodations that were denied and why;
95.27 	(5) any remaining balance left in the account; and
95.28 	(6) if the account was depleted, the date on which funds were exhausted and the number, 
95.29 	type, and cost of accommodations that were not reimbursed to employers.
95.30 		Subd. 10.Expiration. This section expires June 30, 2025, or when money appropriated 
95.31 	for its purpose expires, whichever is later.

96.1 	Sec. 24. ENGAGEMENT TO ADDRESS BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT.
 96.2 	The commissioner of employment and economic development shall engage stakeholders 
96.3 	to identify barriers that adults with mental illness face in obtaining and retaining employment 
96.4 	and recommend strategies to address those barriers. The commissioner shall solicit feedback 
96.5 	from advocacy organizations for people with mental illness, mental health providers, people 
96.6 	with mental illness, organizations that support people with mental illness in obtaining 
96.7 	employment, and employers. The commissioner shall submit a plan to the legislative 
96.8 	committees with jurisdiction over employment and human services before February 1, 2024, 
96.9 	identifying the barriers to employment and making recommendations on how to best improve 
96.10 	the employment rate among people with mental illness.

96.11 	Sec. 25. SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 
96.12 	SCHOLARSHIP PILOT PROGRAM.
 96.13 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
96.14 	the meanings given.
96.15 	(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
96.16 	(c) "Southwest Initiative Foundation" or "foundation" means a nonprofit organization 
96.17 	that provides services to the following counties in southwest Minnesota: Big Stone, 
96.18 	Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, 
96.19 	Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine, and 
96.20 	the Lower Sioux Indian Community and Upper Sioux Community.
96.21 	(d) "Employer-sponsored applicant" means a student applicant with a local employer 
96.22 	scholarship equal to or greater than 25 percent of the workforce development scholarship.
96.23 	(e) "Eligible student" means a student applicant who:
96.24 	(1) is eligible for resident or nonresident tuition;
96.25 	(2) is enrolling in an eligible program as determined by the regional workforce 
96.26 	development board; and
96.27 	(3) is enrolling at least half-time at a Minnesota West college listed in subdivision 4.
96.28 	(f) "Local employer" means an employer with a physical location in a county within the 
96.29 	service area of the foundation listed in paragraph (c).
96.30 		Subd. 2.Program established. The commissioner shall establish a southwestern 
96.31 	Minnesota workforce development scholarship pilot program administered by the foundation 
96.32 	to assist in meeting the workforce challenges in southwest Minnesota and enhance long-term 
97.1 	economic self-sufficiency by connecting students, higher education facilities, employers, 
97.2 	and communities.
97.3 		Subd. 3.Grant to the Southwest Initiative Foundation. The commissioner shall award 
97.4 	all grant funds to the foundation, which shall administer the southwestern Minnesota 
97.5 	workforce development scholarship pilot program. The foundation may use up to seven 
97.6 	percent of grant funds for administrative costs.
97.7 		Subd. 4.Scholarship awards. (a) The foundation shall coordinate available funds and 
97.8 	award scholarships to the following Minnesota West colleges:
97.9 	(1) Canby;
97.10 	(2) Granite Falls;
97.11 	(3) Pipestone;
97.12 	(4) Worthington;
97.13 	(5) Jackson;
97.14 	(6) Luverne; and
97.15 	(7) Marshall.
97.16 	(b) Scholarships shall be coordinated by the individual colleges listed in paragraph (a) 
97.17 	and applied only after all other available grant funding through a last-dollar-in model.
97.18 	(c) In awarding grants, priority shall first be given to applicants that are 
97.19 	program-continuing applicants. Priority shall then be given to employer-sponsored applicants.
97.20 	(d) Scholarships are intended to supplement all other grant opportunities and to cover 
97.21 	the full cost of attendance to the eligible students.
97.22 		Subd. 5.Program eligibility. Scholarships shall be awarded to eligible students who 
97.23 	are enrolled in or enrolling in a high-demand occupation associate degree, diploma, or 
97.24 	certificate or industry-recognized credential program as defined annually by the applicable 
97.25 	regional workforce development board. Students must complete the Free Application for 
97.26 	Federal Student Aid if applicable to the program to which they are applying.
97.27 		Subd. 6.Renewal; cap. A student who has been awarded a scholarship may apply in 
97.28 	subsequent academic years, but total lifetime awards are not to exceed two full scholarships 
97.29 	per student. Students may only be awarded a second scholarship upon successful completion 
97.30 	of the program and subsequent work period requirement.
98.1 		Subd. 7.Administration. (a) The foundation and Minnesota West colleges shall establish 
98.2 	an application process and other guidelines for implementing the pilot program.
98.3 	(b) Each college shall receive from their respective workforce development board by 
98.4 	December 1 of each year, commencing in 2023, a list of eligible programs administered by 
98.5 	the college that are eligible for subsequent year scholarships. The applicable workforce 
98.6 	development board must consider data based on a workforce shortage for full-time 
98.7 	employment requiring postsecondary education that is unique to the specific region, as 
98.8 	reported in the most recent Department of Employment and Economic Development job 
98.9 	vacancy survey data for the economic development region in which the college is located. 
98.10 	A workforce shortage area is one in which the job vacancy rate for full-time employment 
98.11 	in a specific occupation in a region is higher than the state average vacancy rate for that 
98.12 	same occupation.
98.13 		Subd. 8.Scholarship recipient requirements. (a) A recipient of a scholarship awarded 
98.14 	under the program established in this section shall:
98.15 	(1) be enrolled in a high-demand occupation associate degree, diploma, or certificate or 
98.16 	industry-recognized credential program as defined by the regional workforce development 
98.17 	board and offered by a Minnesota West college;
98.18 	(2) adhere to any applicable participating local employer program requirements;
98.19 	(3) commit to three years of full-time employment with:
98.20 	(i) a sponsoring local employer; or
98.21 	(ii) any qualified local employer within the high-demand occupations as defined by the 
98.22 	regional workforce development board; and
98.23 	(4) fulfill the three-year full-time employment commitment in a county within the service 
98.24 	area of the foundation as listed in subdivision 1, paragraph (c).
98.25 	(b) If a recipient of a scholarship fails to fulfill the requirements of paragraph (a), the 
98.26 	foundation may convert the scholarship to a loan. Amounts repaid from a loan shall be used 
98.27 	to fund scholarship awards under this section.
98.28 		Subd. 9.Employer partnerships. The foundation and Minnesota West colleges shall 
98.29 	establish partnerships with qualified local employers and work to ensure that a percentage 
98.30 	of the state funds appropriated to each college for the southwestern Minnesota workforce 
98.31 	development scholarship program are equally matched with employer funds.
99.1 		Subd. 10.Report required. The foundation must submit an annual report by December 
99.2 	31 of each year regarding the scholarship program to the chairs and ranking minority 
99.3 	members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over employment and economic 
99.4 	development policy. The first report is due no later than December 31, 2023. The annual 
99.5 	report shall include:
99.6 	(1) the number of students receiving a scholarship at each participating college during 
99.7 	the previous calendar year;
99.8 	(2) the number of scholarships awarded for each program and type of program during 
99.9 	the previous calendar year;
99.10 	(3) the number of scholarship recipients who completed a program of study or 
99.11 	certification;
99.12 	(4) the number of scholarship recipients who secured employment by their graduation 
99.13 	date and those who secured employment within three months of their graduation date;
99.14 	(5) a list of the colleges that received funding, the amount of funding each institution 
99.15 	received, and whether all withheld funds were distributed;
99.16 	(6) a list of occupations scholarship recipients are entering;
99.17 	(7) the number of students who were denied a scholarship;
99.18 	(8) a list of participating local employers and amounts of any applicable employer 
99.19 	contributions; and
99.20 	(9) a list of recommendations to the legislature regarding potential program improvements.

99.21 	Sec. 26. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FINE REDUCTION AND INTEREST 
99.22 	ELIMINATION.
 99.23 	By January 1, 2024, the commissioner of employment and economic development must 
99.24 	make recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over workforce 
99.25 	development for how the unemployment insurance system will reduce the fines and interest 
99.26 	applied to misrepresentation overpayments. The commissioner must provide a timeline for 
99.27 	implementing a reduction of the 40 percent fine to 15 percent and an elimination of the 12 
99.28 	percent interest rate.

100.1 	ARTICLE 5
100.2 	CAPITOL AREA

100.3 	Section 1. CAPITOL AREA COMMUNITY VITALITY TASK FORCE; 
100.4 	APPROPRIATION.
 100.5 		Subdivision 1.Task force established; membership. (a) A Capitol Area Community 
100.6 	Vitality Task Force is established. The task force consists of the following members:
100.7 	(1) the executive secretary of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board;
100.8 	(2) one member of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, appointed by the 
100.9 	board;
100.10 	(3) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house, 
100.11 	of whom one must be a member of the majority caucus of the house, and one must be a 
100.12 	member of the minority caucus of the house;
100.13 	(4) two members of the senate appointed by the majority leader of the senate, of whom 
100.14 	one must be a member of the majority caucus of the senate, and one must be a member of 
100.15 	the minority caucus of the senate;
100.16 	(5) four members who are residents, businesspeople, or members of local organizations 
100.17 	in the Capitol Area, appointed by the mayor of St. Paul; and
100.18 	(6) one member of the public appointed by the governor.
100.19 	(b) The task force must elect a chair and other officers from among its members. 
100.20 	Appointments to the task force must be made no later than July 15, 2023. The executive 
100.21 	secretary of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must convene the first 
100.22 	meeting of the task force no later than August 15, 2023.
100.23 	(c) As used in this section, "Capitol Area" includes that part of the city of St. Paul within 
100.24 	the boundaries described in Minnesota Statutes, section 15B.02.
100.25 		Subd. 2.Terms; compensation. The terms and compensation of members of the task 
100.26 	force are governed by Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6.
100.27 		Subd. 3.Administrative support. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board 
100.28 	must provide administrative support to assist the task force in its work.
100.29 		Subd. 4.Duties; report. The task force must consider and develop recommendations 
100.30 	for the administration, program plan, and oversight of the Capitol Area community vitality 
100.31 	account established by this act. The task force must submit its recommendations to the 
100.32 	Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board for approval. A report including the approved 
101.1 	recommendations must be submitted by the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board 
101.2 	to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the legislature with 
101.3 	jurisdiction over the board no later than February 1, 2024.
101.4 		Subd. 5.Expiration. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 
101.5 	6, the task force expires upon submission of the report required by subdivision 4.
101.6 		Subd. 6.Appropriation. $150,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general 
101.7 	fund to the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board to support the work of the task 
101.8 	force, including but not limited to payment of fees and other expenses necessary to retain 
101.9 	appropriate professional consultants, conduct public meetings, and facilitate other activities 
101.10 	as requested by the task force.

101.11 	Sec. 2. CAPITOL AREA COMMUNITY VITALITY ACCOUNT.
 101.12 		Subdivision 1.Account established; appropriation. (a) A Capitol Area community 
101.13 	vitality account is established in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is 
101.14 	appropriated to the commissioner of administration to improve the livability, economic 
101.15 	health, and safety of communities within the Capitol Area, provided that no funds may be 
101.16 	expended until a detailed program and oversight plan to govern their use, in accordance 
101.17 	with the spending recommendations of the Capitol Area Community Vitality Task Force 
101.18 	as approved by the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, has been further approved 
101.19 	by law.
101.20 	(b) As used in this section, "Capitol Area" includes that part of the city of St. Paul within 
101.21 	the boundaries described in Minnesota Statutes, section 15B.02.
101.22 		Subd. 2.Appropriation. $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is transferred from the general 
101.23 	fund to the Capitol Area community vitality account.

101.24 	Sec. 3. APPROPRIATION; CAPITOL AREA TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS.
 101.25 	(a) $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the 
101.26 	commissioner of administration for one or more grants to the city of St. Paul, Ramsey 
101.27 	County, or both, for road projects that improve the livability, economic health, and safety 
101.28 	of communities within the Capitol Area. Funded projects must be consistent with the 
101.29 	recommendations of the Capitol Area Community Vitality Task Force, as approved by the 
101.30 	Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board. This is a onetime appropriation and is 
101.31 	available until June 30, 2027.
101.32 	(b) Funds under this section are available:
102.1 	(1) for planning, predesign, design, engineering, environmental analysis and mitigation, 
102.2 	land acquisition, and reconstruction of streets and highways; and
102.3 	(2) only upon approval of the expenditure by the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning 
102.4 	Board.
102.5 	(c) For purposes of this section, "Capitol Area" means that part of the city of St. Paul 
102.6 	within the boundaries described in Minnesota Statutes, section 15B.02.

102.7 	ARTICLE 6
102.8 	APPROPRIATIONS; LABOR

102.9	Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.
 	
102.10 	(a) The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the 
102.11 	agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the 
102.12 	general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for 
102.13 	each purpose. The figures "2024" and "2025" used in this article mean that the appropriations 
102.14 	listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025, 
102.15 	respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2024. "The second year" is fiscal year 2025. "The 
102.16 	biennium" is fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
102.17 	(b) If an appropriation in this article is enacted more than once in the 2023 regular or 
102.18 	special legislative session, the appropriation must be given effect only once.

102.19				APPROPRIATIONS
	
102.20				Available for the Year
	
102.21				Ending June 30
	
102.22					2024
		2025

102.23
102.24	Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND 
INDUSTRY

102.25	Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
 	$
	48,157,000
	$
	44,412,000

102.26	Appropriations by Fund
	
102.27		2024
	2025
	
102.28	General
	7,244,000
	4,854,000
	
102.29
102.30	Workers' 
Compensation
	30,599,000
	32,390,000
	
102.31
102.32	Workforce 
Development
	10,314,000
	7,168,000
	
103.1 	The amounts that may be spent for each 
103.2 	purpose are specified in the following 
103.3 	subdivisions.

103.4	Subd. 2.General Support
 		8,765,000
		9,106,000
	
103.5 	This appropriation is from the workers' 
103.6 	compensation fund.

103.7	Subd. 3.Labor Standards
 		6,564,000
		6,235,000

103.8	Appropriations by Fund
	
103.9	General
	5,001,000
	4,600,000
	
103.10
103.11	Workforce 
Development
	1,563,000
	1,635,000
	
103.12 	(a) $2,046,000 each year is for wage theft 
103.13 	prevention.
103.14 	(b) $1,563,000 the first year and $1,635,000 
103.15 	the second year are from the workforce 
103.16 	development fund for prevailing wage 
103.17 	enforcement.
103.18 	(c) $268,000 the first year and $276,000 the 
103.19 	second year are for outreach and enforcement 
103.20 	efforts related to changes to the nursing 
103.21 	mothers, lactating employees, and pregnancy 
103.22 	accommodations law.
103.23 	(d) $184,000 the first year and $142,000 the 
103.24 	second year are to strengthen workplace 
103.25 	protections for agricultural and food 
103.26 	processing workers.
103.27 	(e) $50,000 the first year is for outreach and 
103.28 	education for the safe and skilled worker act, 
103.29 	which establishes minimum training standards 
103.30 	for contractors performing work at petroleum 
103.31 	refineries in Minnesota.
104.1 	(f) $641,000 the first year and $322,000 the 
104.2 	second year are to perform work for the 
104.3 	Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board.
104.4 	(g) $225,000 the first year and $169,000 the 
104.5 	second year are for the purposes of the Safe 
104.6 	Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing 
104.7 	Workers Act.
104.8 	(h) $27,000 the first year is for the creation 
104.9 	and distribution of a veterans' benefits and 
104.10 	services poster under Minnesota Statutes, 
104.11 	section 181.536.

104.12	Subd. 4.Workers' Compensation
 		15,190,000
		15,725,000
	
104.13 	This appropriation is from the workers' 
104.14 	compensation fund.

104.15	Subd. 5.Workplace Safety
 		8,644,000
		7,559,000

104.16	Appropriations by Fund
	
104.17	General
	2,000,000
	-0-
	
104.18
104.19	Workers' 
Compensation
	6,644,000
	7,559,000
	
104.20 	(a) $477,000 the first year and $1,128,000 the 
104.21 	second year are from the workers' 
104.22 	compensation fund for education and outreach, 
104.23 	staffing, and technology development of the 
104.24 	ergonomics program under Minnesota 
104.25 	Statutes, section 182.677. The base 
104.26 	appropriation is $1,487,000 in fiscal year 2026 
104.27 	and $1,196,000 in fiscal year 2027.
104.28 	(b) $2,000,000 the first year is for the 
104.29 	ergonomics safety grant program. This 
104.30 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2026. 
104.31 	This is a onetime appropriation.
104.32 	(c) $115,000 the first year and $91,000 the 
104.33 	second year are from the workers' 
104.34 	compensation fund for enforcement and other 
105.1 	duties related to warehouse distribution 
105.2 	workers safety under Minnesota Statutes, 
105.3 	section 182.6526.

105.4	Subd. 6.Workforce Development Initiatives
 		2,359,000
		2,371,000
	
105.5 	(a) This appropriation is from the workforce 
105.6 	development fund.
105.7 	(b) $300,000 each year is from the workforce 
105.8 	development fund for the pipeline program.
105.9 	(c) $200,000 each year is from the workforce 
105.10 	development fund for identification of 
105.11 	competency standards under Minnesota 
105.12 	Statutes, section 175.45.
105.13 	(d) $1,500,000 each year is from the 
105.14 	workforce development fund for youth skills 
105.15 	training grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
105.16 	section 175.46.
105.17 	(e) $359,000 the first year and $371,000 the 
105.18 	second year are from the workforce 
105.19 	development fund for administration of the 
105.20 	youth skills training grants under Minnesota 
105.21 	Statutes, section 175.46.

105.22	Subd. 7.Combative Sports
 		243,000
		254,000

105.23	Subd. 8.Apprenticeship
 		6,392,000
		3,162,000
	
105.24 	(a) This appropriation is from the workforce 
105.25 	development fund.
105.26 	(b) $1,464,000 the first year and $1,534,000 
105.27 	the second year are from the workforce 
105.28 	development fund for the apprenticeship 
105.29 	program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 
105.30 	178.
105.31 	(c) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
105.32 	the second year are from the workforce 
105.33 	development fund for labor education and 
106.1 	advancement program grants under Minnesota 
106.2 	Statutes, section 178.11.
106.3 	(d) $3,000,000 the first year is from the 
106.4 	workforce development fund for grants to 
106.5 	registered apprenticeship programs for clean 
106.6 	economy occupations. Of this amount, up to 
106.7 	five percent is for administration and 
106.8 	monitoring of the program. This appropriation 
106.9 	is onetime and available until June 30, 2026. 
106.10 	Grant money may be used to:
106.11 	(1) purchase equipment or training materials 
106.12 	in clean technologies;
106.13 	(2) fund instructor professional development 
106.14 	in clean technologies;
106.15 	(3) design and refine curriculum in clean 
106.16 	technologies; and
106.17 	(4) train apprentices and upskill incumbent 
106.18 	workers in clean technologies.
106.19 	(e) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the 
106.20 	second year are from the workforce 
106.21 	development fund for a grant to Building 
106.22 	Strong Communities, Inc., for a statewide 
106.23 	apprenticeship readiness program to prepare 
106.24 	women, BIPOC community members, and 
106.25 	veterans to enter the building and construction 
106.26 	trades. These are onetime appropriations and 
106.27 	are not added to the base for this purpose.
106.28 	(f) $228,000 the first year and $228,000 the 
106.29 	second year are from the workforce 
106.30 	development fund for grants to Building 
106.31 	Strong Communities, Inc., for the Helmets to 
106.32 	Hardhats Minnesota initiative. The following 
106.33 	requirements apply:
107.1 	(1) grant money must be used to recruit, retain, 
107.2 	assist, and support National Guard, reserve, 
107.3 	and active duty military members' and 
107.4 	veterans' participation in apprenticeship 
107.5 	programs registered with the Department of 
107.6 	Labor and Industry and connect service 
107.7 	members and veterans with career training and 
107.8 	employment in the building and construction 
107.9 	industry. The recruitment, selection, 
107.10 	employment, and training must be without 
107.11 	discrimination due to race, color, creed, 
107.12 	religion, national origin, sex, sexual 
107.13 	orientation, marital status, physical or mental 
107.14 	disability, receipt of public assistance, or age; 
107.15 	and
107.16 	(2) Building Strong Communities, Inc., must 
107.17 	report to the commissioner of labor and 
107.18 	industry and the chairs and ranking members 
107.19 	of the house of representatives and senate 
107.20 	committees overseeing labor and industry 
107.21 	policy and finance and veterans affairs policy 
107.22 	and finance by January 15 of each year on the 
107.23 	Helmets to Hardhats program. The report must 
107.24 	include an overview of the program's budget, 
107.25 	a detailed explanation of program 
107.26 	expenditures, the number of veterans and 
107.27 	service members that participated in 
107.28 	apprenticeship programs, the number of 
107.29 	veterans and service members that received 
107.30 	career training, the number of veterans and 
107.31 	service members that gained employment in 
107.32 	the building and construction industry, and an 
107.33 	audit completed by an independent auditor.
107.34 	(g) $300,000 the first year is from the 
107.35 	workforce development fund for a grant to 
108.1 	Independent School District No. 294, Houston, 
108.2 	for the Minnesota Virtual Academy's career 
108.3 	pathways program with Operating Engineers 
108.4 	Local 49. This appropriation does not cancel 
108.5 	and is available until June 30, 2025. The 
108.6 	following requirements apply:
108.7 	(1) the career pathways program must 
108.8 	encourage, support, and provide continuity for 
108.9 	student participation in structured career 
108.10 	pathways. The program may include up to five 
108.11 	semesters of coursework and must lead to 
108.12 	eligibility for the Operating Engineers Local 
108.13 	49 apprenticeship program. The career 
108.14 	pathways program must provide outreach to 
108.15 	and encourage participation in the program by 
108.16 	students of color, Indigenous students, 
108.17 	students from low-income families, students 
108.18 	located throughout Minnesota, and 
108.19 	underserved students;
108.20 	(2) the grant may be used to encourage and 
108.21 	support student participation in the career 
108.22 	pathways program through additional 
108.23 	academic, counseling, and other support 
108.24 	services provided by the student's enrolling 
108.25 	school district. The Minnesota Virtual 
108.26 	Academy may contract with a student's 
108.27 	enrolling school district to provide these 
108.28 	services; and
108.29 	(3) on January 15 of each year following the 
108.30 	receipt of a grant, Independent School District 
108.31 	No. 294, Houston, must submit a written 
108.32 	report to the legislative committees having 
108.33 	jurisdiction over education and workforce 
108.34 	development. A grant award and report must 
108.35 	be in accordance with the provisions of 
109.1 	Minnesota Statutes, sections 3.195 and 
109.2 	127A.20. The report must describe students' 
109.3 	experiences with the program; document the 
109.4 	program's spending and the number of students 
109.5 	participating in the program and entering into 
109.6 	the apprenticeship program; include 
109.7 	geographic and demographic information on 
109.8 	the program participants; make 
109.9 	recommendations to improve the support of 
109.10 	career pathways programs statewide; and make 
109.11 	recommendations to improve student 
109.12 	participation in career pathways programs.

109.13
109.14	Sec. 3. WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT 
OF APPEALS
 	$
	2,583,000
	$
	2,563,000
	
109.15 	This appropriation is from the workers' 
109.16 	compensation fund.

109.17	Sec. 4. BUREAU OF MEDIATION SERVICES
 	$
	3,707,000
	$
	3,789,000
	
109.18 	(a) $750,000 each year is for purposes of the 
109.19 	Public Employment Relations Board under 
109.20 	Minnesota Statutes, section 179A.041.
109.21 	(b) $68,000 each year is for grants to area 
109.22 	labor management committees. Grants may 
109.23 	be awarded for a 12-month period beginning 
109.24 	July 1 each year. Any unencumbered balance 
109.25 	remaining at the end of the first year does not 
109.26 	cancel but is available for the second year.
109.27 	(c) $47,000 each year is for rulemaking, 
109.28 	staffing, and other costs associated with peace 
109.29 	officer grievance procedures.

110.1 	ARTICLE 7
110.2 	AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING WORKERS

110.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
110.4 		Subd. 4.Compliance orders. The commissioner may issue an order requiring an 
110.5 	employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.435, 179.86,181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 
110.6 	181.032, 181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d), 
110.7 	181.275, subdivision 2a, 181.635,181.722, 181.79, 181.85 to 181.89, and 181.939 to 
110.8 	181.943, or with any rule promulgated under section 177.28. The commissioner shall issue 
110.9 	an order requiring an employer to comply with sections 177.41 to 177.435 if the violation 
110.10 	is repeated. For purposes of this subdivision only, a violation is repeated if at any time 
110.11 	during the two years that preceded the date of violation, the commissioner issued an order 
110.12 	to the employer for violation of sections 177.41 to 177.435 and the order is final or the 
110.13 	commissioner and the employer have entered into a settlement agreement that required the 
110.14 	employer to pay back wages that were required by sections 177.41 to 177.435. The 
110.15 	department shall serve the order upon the employer or the employer's authorized 
110.16 	representative in person or by certified mail at the employer's place of business. An employer 
110.17 	who wishes to contest the order must file written notice of objection to the order with the 
110.18 	commissioner within 15 calendar days after being served with the order. A contested case 
110.19 	proceeding must then be held in accordance with sections 14.57 to 14.69. If, within 15 
110.20 	calendar days after being served with the order, the employer fails to file a written notice 
110.21 	of objection with the commissioner, the order becomes a final order of the commissioner.

110.22 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179.86, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
110.23 		Subdivision 1.Definition. For the purpose of this section, "employer" means an employer 
110.24 	in the meatpacking or poultry processing industry.

110.25 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179.86, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
110.26 		Subd. 3.Information provided to employee by employer. (a) At the start of 
110.27 	employment, an employer must provide an explanation in an employee's native language 
110.28 	of the employee's rights and duties as an employee either both person to person or and
110.29 	through written materials that, at a minimum, include:
110.30 	(1) a complete description of the salary and benefits plans as they relate to the employee;
110.31 	(2) a job description for the employee's position;
110.32 	(3) a description of leave policies;
111.1 	(4) a description of the work hours and work hours policy; and
111.2 	(5) a description of the occupational hazards known to exist for the position.; and
111.3 	(6) when workers' compensation insurance coverage is required by chapter 176, the 
111.4 	name of the employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier, the carrier's telephone 
111.5 	number, and the insurance policy number.
111.6 	(b) The explanation must also include information on the following employee rights as 
111.7 	protected by state or federal law and a description of where additional information about 
111.8 	those rights may be obtained:
111.9 	(1) the right to organize and bargain collectively and refrain from organizing and 
111.10 	bargaining collectively;
111.11 	(2) the right to a safe workplace; and
111.12 	(3) the right to be free from discrimination.; and
111.13 	(4) the right to workers' compensation insurance coverage.
111.14 	(c) The Department of Labor and Industry shall provide a standard explanation form for 
111.15 	use at the employer's option for providing the information required in this subdivision. The 
111.16 	form shall be available in English and Spanish and additional languages upon request.
111.17 	(d) The requirements under this subdivision are in addition to the requirements under 
111.18 	section 181.032.

111.19 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179.86, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
111.20 	read:
111.21 		Subd. 5.Civil action. An employee injured by a violation of this section has a cause of 
111.22 	action for damages for the greater of $1,000 per violation or twice the employee's actual 
111.23 	damages, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees. A damage award shall be the greater of 
111.24 	$1,400 or three times actual damages for an employee injured by an intentional violation 
111.25 	of this section.

111.26 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179.86, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
111.27 	read:
111.28 		Subd. 6.Fine. The commissioner of labor and industry shall fine an employer not less 
111.29 	than $400 or more than $1,000 for each violation of subdivision 3. The fine shall be payable 
111.30 	to the employee aggrieved.

112.1 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.14, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
112.2 		Subdivision 1.Prompt payment required. (a) When any such employee quits or resigns 
112.3 	employment, the wages or commissions earned and unpaid at the time the employee quits 
112.4 	or resigns shall be paid in full not later than the first regularly scheduled payday following 
112.5 	the employee's final day of employment, unless an employee is subject to a collective 
112.6 	bargaining agreement with a different provision. Wages are earned and unpaid if the 
112.7 	employee was not paid for all time worked at the employee's regular rate of pay or at the 
112.8 	rate required by law, including any applicable statute, regulation, rule, ordinance, government 
112.9 	resolution or policy, contract, or other legal authority, whichever rate of pay is greater. If 
112.10 	the first regularly scheduled payday is less than five calendar days following the employee's 
112.11 	final day of employment, full payment may be delayed until the second regularly scheduled 
112.12 	payday but shall not exceed a total of 20 calendar days following the employee's final day 
112.13 	of employment.
112.14 	(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), in the case of migrant workers, as 
112.15 	defined in section 181.85, the wages or commissions earned and unpaid at the time the 
112.16 	employee quits or resigns shall become due and payable within five three days thereafter.

112.17 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
112.18 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.
112.19 	(a) "Employer" means a person who employs another to perform a service for hire. 
112.20 	Employer includes any agent or attorney of an employer who, for money or other valuable 
112.21 	consideration paid or promised to be paid, performs any recruiting.
112.22 	(b) "Person" means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability 
112.23 	partnership, association, individual, or group of persons.
112.24 	(c) "Recruits" means to induce an individual, directly or through an agent, to relocate 
112.25 	to Minnesota or within Minnesota to work in food processing by an offer of employment
112.26 	or of the possibility of employment.
112.27 	(d) "Food processing" means canning, packing, or otherwise processing poultry or meat 
112.28 	for consumption.
112.29 	(e) "Terms and conditions of employment" means the following:
112.30 	(1) nature of the work to be performed;
112.31 	(2) wage rate, nature and amount of deductions for tools, clothing, supplies, or other 
112.32 	items;
113.1 	(3) anticipated hours of work per week, including overtime;
113.2 	(4) anticipated slowdown or shutdown or if hours of work per week vary more than 25 
113.3 	percent from clause (3);
113.4 	(5) duration of the work;
113.5 	(6) workers' compensation coverage and name, address, and telephone number of insurer 
113.6 	and Department of Labor and Industry;
113.7 	(7) employee benefits available, including any health plans, sick leave, or paid vacation;
113.8 	(8) transportation and relocation arrangements with allocation of costs between employer 
113.9 	and employee;
113.10 	(9) availability and description of housing and any costs to employee associated with 
113.11 	housing; and
113.12 	(10) any other item of value offered, and allocation of costs of item between employer 
113.13 	and employee.

113.14 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
113.15 		Subd. 2.Recruiting; required disclosure. (a) An employer shall provide written 
113.16 	disclosure of the terms and conditions of employment to a person at the time it recruits the 
113.17 	person to relocate to work in the food processing industry. The disclosure requirement does 
113.18 	not apply to an exempt employee as defined in United States Code, title 29, section 213(a)(1). 
113.19 	The disclosure must be written in English and Spanish, or another language if the person's 
113.20 	preferred language is not Spanish, dated and signed by the employer and the person recruited, 
113.21 	and maintained by the employer for two three years. A copy of the signed and completed 
113.22 	disclosure must be delivered immediately to the recruited person. The disclosure may not 
113.23 	be construed as an employment contract.
113.24 	(b) The requirements under this subdivision are in addition to the requirements under 
113.25 	section 181.032.

113.26 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
113.27 		Subd. 3.Civil action. A person injured by a violation of this section has a cause of action 
113.28 	for damages for the greater of $500 $1,000 per violation or twice their actual damages, plus 
113.29 	costs and reasonable attorney's fees. A damage award shall be the greater of $750 $1,400
113.30 	or three times actual damages for a person injured by an intentional violation of this section.

114.1 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
114.2 		Subd. 4.Fine. The Department of Labor and Industry shall fine an employer not less 
114.3 	than $200 $400 or more than $500 $1,000 for each violation of this section. The fine shall 
114.4 	be payable to the employee aggrieved.

114.5 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
114.6 		Subd. 6.Standard disclosure form. The Department of Labor and Industry shall provide 
114.7 	a standard form for use at the employer's option in making the disclosure required in 
114.8 	subdivision 2. The form shall be available in English and Spanish and additional languages 
114.9 	upon request.

114.10 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.85, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
114.11 		Subd. 2.Agricultural labor. "Agricultural labor" means field labor associated with the 
114.12 	cultivation and harvest of fruits and vegetables and work performed in processing fruits and 
114.13 	vegetables for market, as well as labor performed in agriculture as defined in Minnesota 
114.14 	Rules, part 5200.0260.

114.15 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.85, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
114.16 		Subd. 4.Employer. "Employer" means a processor of fruits or vegetables an individual, 
114.17 	partnership, association, corporation, business trust, or any person or group of persons that 
114.18 	employs, either directly or indirectly through a recruiter, more than 30one or more migrant 
114.19 	workers per day for more than seven days in any calendar year.

114.20 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.86, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
114.21 		Subdivision 1.Terms. (a) An employer that recruits a migrant worker shall provide the 
114.22 	migrant worker, at the time the worker is recruited, with a written employment statement 
114.23 	which shall state clearly and plainly, in English and Spanish, or another language if the 
114.24 	worker's preferred language is not Spanish:
114.25 	(1) the date on which and the place at which the statement was completed and provided 
114.26 	to the migrant worker;
114.27 	(2) the name and permanent address of the migrant worker, of the employer, and of the 
114.28 	recruiter who recruited the migrant worker;
115.1 	(3) the date on which the migrant worker is to arrive at the place of employment, the 
115.2 	date on which employment is to begin, the approximate hours of employment, and the 
115.3 	minimum period of employment;
115.4 	(4) the crops and the operations on which the migrant worker will be employed;
115.5 	(5) the wage rates to be paid;
115.6 	(6) the payment terms, as provided in section 181.87;
115.7 	(7) any deduction to be made from wages; and
115.8 	(8) whether housing will be provided.; and
115.9 	(9) when workers' compensation insurance coverage is required by chapter 176, the 
115.10 	name of the employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier, the carrier's telephone 
115.11 	number, and the insurance policy number.
115.12 	(b) The Department of Labor and Industry shall provide a standard employment statement 
115.13 	form for use at the employer's option for providing the information required in subdivision 
115.14 	1. The form shall be available in English and Spanish and additional languages upon request.
115.15 	(c) The requirements under this subdivision are in addition to the requirements under 
115.16 	section 181.032.

115.17 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.87, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
115.18 		Subd. 2.Biweekly pay. The employer shall pay wages due to the migrant worker at 
115.19 	least every two weeks, except on termination, when the employer shall pay within three 
115.20 	days unless payment is required sooner pursuant to section 181.13.

115.21 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.87, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
115.22 		Subd. 3.Guaranteed hours. The employer shall guarantee to each recruited migrant 
115.23 	worker a minimum of 70 hours pay for work in any two successive weeks and, should the 
115.24 	pay for hours actually offered by the employer and worked by the migrant worker provide 
115.25 	a sum of pay less than the minimum guarantee, the employer shall pay the migrant worker 
115.26 	the difference within three days after the scheduled payday for the pay period involved. 
115.27 	Payment for the guaranteed hours shall be at the hourly wage rate, if any, specified in the 
115.28 	employment statement, or the federal, state, or local minimum wage, whichever is higher
115.29 	highest. Any pay in addition to the hourly wage rate specified in the employment statement 
115.30 	shall be applied against the guarantee. This guarantee applies for the minimum period of 
115.31 	employment specified in the employment statement beginning with the date on which 
116.1 	employment is to begin as specified in the employment statement. The date on which 
116.2 	employment is to begin may be changed by the employer by written, telephonic, or 
116.3 	telegraphic notice to the migrant worker, at the worker's last known physical address or 
116.4 	email address, no later than ten days prior to the previously stated beginning date. The 
116.5 	migrant worker shall contact the recruiter to obtain the latest information regarding the date 
116.6 	upon which employment is to begin no later than five days prior to the previously stated 
116.7 	beginning date. This guarantee shall be reduced, when there is no work available for a period 
116.8 	of seven or more consecutive days during any two-week period subsequent to the 
116.9 	commencement of work, by five hours pay for each such day, when the unavailability of 
116.10 	work is caused by climatic conditions or an act of God, provided that the employer pays 
116.11 	the migrant worker, on the normal payday, the sum of $5 $50 for each such day.

116.12 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.87, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
116.13 		Subd. 7.Statement itemizing deductions from wages. The employer shall provide a 
116.14 	written statement at the time wages are paid clearly itemizing each deduction from wages.
116.15 	The written statement shall also comply with all other requirements for an earnings statement 
116.16 	in section 181.032.

116.17 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.88, is amended to read:
116.18 	181.88 RECORD KEEPING.
116.19 	Every employer subject to the provisions of sections 181.85 to 181.90 shall maintain 
116.20 	complete and accurate records of the names of, the daily hours worked by, the rate of pay 
116.21 	for and the wages paid each pay period to for every individual migrant worker recruited by 
116.22 	that employer, as required by section 177.30 and shall preserve the records also maintain 
116.23 	the employment statements required under section 181.86 for a period of at least three years.

116.24 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.89, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
116.25 		Subd. 2.Judgment; damages. If the court finds that any defendant has violated the 
116.26 	provisions of sections 181.86 to 181.88, the court shall enter judgment for the actual damages 
116.27 	incurred by the plaintiff or the appropriate penalty as provided by this subdivision, whichever 
116.28 	is greater. The court may also award court costs and a reasonable attorney's fee. The penalties 
116.29 	shall be as follows:
116.30 	(1) whenever the court finds that an employer has violated the record-keeping 
116.31 	requirements of section 181.88, $50 $200;
117.1 	(2) whenever the court finds that an employer has recruited a migrant worker without 
117.2 	providing a written employment statement as provided in section 181.86, subdivision 1, 
117.3 	$250 $800;
117.4 	(3) whenever the court finds that an employer has recruited a migrant worker after having 
117.5 	provided a written employment statement, but finds that the employment statement fails to 
117.6 	comply with the requirement of section 181.86, subdivision 1 or section 181.87, $250 $800;
117.7 	(4) whenever the court finds that an employer has failed to comply with the terms of an 
117.8 	employment statement which the employer has provided to a migrant worker or has failed 
117.9 	to comply with any payment term required by section 181.87, $500 $1,600;
117.10 	(5) whenever the court finds that an employer has failed to pay wages to a migrant worker 
117.11 	within a time period set forth in section 181.87, subdivision 2 or 3, $500 $1,600; and
117.12 	(6) whenever penalties are awarded, they shall be awarded severally in favor of each 
117.13 	migrant worker plaintiff and against each defendant found liable.

117.14 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.89, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
117.15 	read:
117.16 		Subd. 3.Enforcement. In addition to any other remedies available, the commissioner 
117.17 	may assess the penalties in subdivision 2 and provide the penalty to the migrant worker 
117.18 	aggrieved by the employer's noncompliance.

117.19 	ARTICLE 8
117.20 	NURSING HOME WORKFORCE STANDARDS

117.21 	Section 1. TITLE.
 117.22 	Minnesota Statutes, sections 181.211 to 181.217, shall be known as the "Minnesota 
117.23 	Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act."

117.24 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
117.25 		Subd. 4.Compliance orders. The commissioner may issue an order requiring an 
117.26 	employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.435, 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 181.032, 
117.27 	181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d), 181.214 
117.28 	to 181.217, 181.275, subdivision 2a, 181.722, 181.79, and 181.939 to 181.943, or with any 
117.29 	rule promulgated under section 177.28, 181.213, or 181.215. The commissioner shall issue 
117.30 	an order requiring an employer to comply with sections 177.41 to 177.435 if the violation 
117.31 	is repeated. For purposes of this subdivision only, a violation is repeated if at any time 
118.1 	during the two years that preceded the date of violation, the commissioner issued an order 
118.2 	to the employer for violation of sections 177.41 to 177.435 and the order is final or the 
118.3 	commissioner and the employer have entered into a settlement agreement that required the 
118.4 	employer to pay back wages that were required by sections 177.41 to 177.435. The 
118.5 	department shall serve the order upon the employer or the employer's authorized 
118.6 	representative in person or by certified mail at the employer's place of business. An employer 
118.7 	who wishes to contest the order must file written notice of objection to the order with the 
118.8 	commissioner within 15 calendar days after being served with the order. A contested case 
118.9 	proceeding must then be held in accordance with sections 14.57 to 14.69. If, within 15 
118.10 	calendar days after being served with the order, the employer fails to file a written notice 
118.11 	of objection with the commissioner, the order becomes a final order of the commissioner.

118.12 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
118.13 		Subd. 7.Employer liability. If an employer is found by the commissioner to have 
118.14 	violated a section identified in subdivision 4, or any rule adopted under section 177.28, 
118.15 	181.213, or 181.215, and the commissioner issues an order to comply, the commissioner 
118.16 	shall order the employer to cease and desist from engaging in the violative practice and to 
118.17 	take such affirmative steps that in the judgment of the commissioner will effectuate the 
118.18 	purposes of the section or rule violated. The commissioner shall order the employer to pay 
118.19 	to the aggrieved parties back pay, gratuities, and compensatory damages, less any amount 
118.20 	actually paid to the employee by the employer, and for an additional equal amount as 
118.21 	liquidated damages. Any employer who is found by the commissioner to have repeatedly 
118.22 	or willfully violated a section or sections identified in subdivision 4 shall be subject to a 
118.23 	civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation for each employee. In determining the amount 
118.24 	of a civil penalty under this subdivision, the appropriateness of such penalty to the size of 
118.25 	the employer's business and the gravity of the violation shall be considered. In addition, the 
118.26 	commissioner may order the employer to reimburse the department and the attorney general 
118.27 	for all appropriate litigation and hearing costs expended in preparation for and in conducting 
118.28 	the contested case proceeding, unless payment of costs would impose extreme financial 
118.29 	hardship on the employer. If the employer is able to establish extreme financial hardship, 
118.30 	then the commissioner may order the employer to pay a percentage of the total costs that 
118.31 	will not cause extreme financial hardship. Costs include but are not limited to the costs of 
118.32 	services rendered by the attorney general, private attorneys if engaged by the department, 
118.33 	administrative law judges, court reporters, and expert witnesses as well as the cost of 
118.34 	transcripts. Interest shall accrue on, and be added to, the unpaid balance of a commissioner's 
118.35 	order from the date the order is signed by the commissioner until it is paid, at an annual rate 
119.1 	provided in section 549.09, subdivision 1, paragraph (c). The commissioner may establish 
119.2 	escrow accounts for purposes of distributing damages.

119.3 	Sec. 4. [181.211] DEFINITIONS.
119.4 		Subdivision 1.Application. The terms defined in this section apply to sections 181.211 
119.5 	to 181.217.
119.6 		Subd. 2.Board. "Board" means the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards 
119.7 	Board established under section 181.212.
119.8 		Subd. 3.Certified worker organization. "Certified worker organization" means a 
119.9 	worker organization that is certified by the board to conduct nursing home worker trainings 
119.10 	under section 181.214.
119.11 		Subd. 4.Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry.
119.12 		Subd. 5.Compensation. "Compensation" means all income and benefits paid by a 
119.13 	nursing home employer to a nursing home worker or on behalf of a nursing home worker, 
119.14 	including but not limited to wages, bonuses, differentials, paid leave, pay for scheduling 
119.15 	changes, and pay for training or occupational certification.
119.16 		Subd. 6.Employer organization. "Employer organization" means:
119.17 	(1) an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(6) 
119.18 	of the Internal Revenue Code and that represents nursing home employers; or
119.19 	(2) an entity that employers, who together employ a majority of nursing home workers 
119.20 	in Minnesota, have selected as a representative.
119.21 		Subd. 7.Nursing home. "Nursing home" means a nursing home licensed under chapter 
119.22 	144A, or a boarding care home licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56.
119.23 		Subd. 8.Nursing home employer. "Nursing home employer" means an employer of 
119.24 	nursing home workers in a licensed, Medicaid-certified facility that is reimbursed under 
119.25 	chapter 256R.
119.26 		Subd. 9.Nursing home worker. "Nursing home worker" means any worker who provides 
119.27 	services in a nursing home in Minnesota, including direct care staff, non-direct care staff, 
119.28 	and contractors, but excluding administrative staff, medical directors, nursing directors, 
119.29 	physicians, and individuals employed by a supplemental nursing services agency.
119.30 		Subd. 10.Worker organization. "Worker organization" means an organization that is 
119.31 	exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(5) of 
120.1 	the Internal Revenue Code, that is not interfered with or dominated by any nursing home 
120.2 	employer within the meaning of United States Code, title 29, section 158a(2), and that has 
120.3 	at least five years of demonstrated experience engaging with and advocating for nursing 
120.4 	home workers.

120.5 	Sec. 5. [181.212] MINNESOTA NURSING HOME WORKFORCE STANDARDS 
120.6 	BOARD; ESTABLISHMENT.
120.7 		Subdivision 1.Board established; membership. (a) The Minnesota Nursing Home 
120.8 	Workforce Standards Board is created with the powers and duties established by law. The 
120.9 	board is composed of the following voting members:
120.10 	(1) the commissioner of human services or a designee;
120.11 	(2) the commissioner of health or a designee;
120.12 	(3) the commissioner of labor and industry or a designee;
120.13 	(4) three members who represent nursing home employers or employer organizations, 
120.14 	appointed by the governor in accordance with section 15.066; and
120.15 	(5) three members who represent nursing home workers or worker organizations, 
120.16 	appointed by the governor in accordance with section 15.066.
120.17 	(b) In making appointments under clause (4), the governor shall consider the geographic 
120.18 	distribution  of nursing homes within the state.
120.19 		Subd. 2.Terms; vacancies. (a) Board members appointed under subdivision 1, clause 
120.20 	(4) or (5), shall serve four-year terms following the initial staggered-lot determination.
120.21 	(b) For members appointed under subdivision 1, clause (4) or (5), the governor shall fill 
120.22 	vacancies occurring prior to the expiration of a member's term by appointment for the 
120.23 	unexpired term. A member appointed under subdivision 1, clause (4) or (5), must not be 
120.24 	appointed to more than two consecutive terms.
120.25 	(c) A member serves until a successor is appointed.
120.26 		Subd. 3.Chairperson. The board shall elect a member by majority vote to serve as its 
120.27 	chairperson and shall determine the term to be served by the chairperson.
120.28 		Subd. 4.Staffing. The commissioner may employ an executive director for the board 
120.29 	and other personnel to carry out duties of the board under sections 181.211 to 181.217.
120.30 		Subd. 5.Board compensation. Compensation of board members is governed by section 
120.31 	15.0575.
121.1 		Subd. 6.Application of other laws. Meetings of the board are subject to chapter 13D. 
121.2 	The board is subject to chapter 13. The board shall comply with section 15.0597.
121.3 		Subd. 7.Voting. The affirmative vote of five board members is required for the board 
121.4 	to take any action, including actions necessary to establish minimum nursing home 
121.5 	employment standards under section 181.213.
121.6 		Subd. 8.Hearings and investigations. To carry out its duties, the board shall hold public 
121.7 	hearings on, and conduct investigations into, working conditions in the nursing home industry 
121.8 	in accordance with section 181.213.
121.9 		Subd. 9.Department support. The commissioner shall provide staff support to the 
121.10 	board. The support includes professional, legal, technical, and clerical staff necessary to 
121.11 	perform rulemaking and other duties assigned to the board. The commissioner shall supply 
121.12 	necessary office space and supplies to assist the board in its duties.
121.13 		Subd. 10.Antitrust compliance. The board shall establish operating procedures that 
121.14 	meet all state and federal antitrust requirements and may prohibit board member access to 
121.15 	data to meet the requirements of this subdivision.

121.16 	Sec. 6. [181.213] DUTIES OF THE BOARD; MINIMUM NURSING HOME 
121.17 	EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS.
121.18 		Subdivision 1.Authority to establish minimum nursing home employment 
121.19 	standards. (a) The board must adopt rules establishing minimum nursing home employment 
121.20 	standards that are reasonably necessary and appropriate to protect the health and welfare 
121.21 	of nursing home workers, to ensure that nursing home workers are properly trained about 
121.22 	and fully informed of their rights under sections 181.211 to 181.217, and to otherwise satisfy 
121.23 	the purposes of sections 181.211 to 181.217. Standards established by the board must include 
121.24 	standards on compensation for nursing home workers, and may include recommendations 
121.25 	under paragraph (c). The board may not adopt standards that are less protective of or 
121.26 	beneficial to nursing home workers as any other applicable statute or rule or any standard 
121.27 	previously established by the board unless there is a determination by the board under 
121.28 	subdivision 2 that existing standards exceed the operating payment rate and external fixed 
121.29 	costs payment rates included in the most recent budget and economic forecast completed 
121.30 	under section 16A.103. In establishing standards under this section, the board must establish 
121.31 	statewide standards, and may adopt standards that apply to specific nursing home occupations.
121.32 	(b) The board must adopt rules establishing initial standards for wages  for nursing home 
121.33 	workers no later than August 1, 2024. The board may use the authority in section 14.389 
122.1 	to adopt rules under this paragraph. The board shall consult with the department in the 
122.2 	development of these standards prior to beginning the rule adoption process.
122.3 	(c) To the extent that any minimum standards that the board finds are reasonably 
122.4 	necessary and appropriate to protect the health and welfare of nursing home workers fall 
122.5 	within the jurisdiction of chapter 182, the board shall not adopt rules establishing the 
122.6 	standards but shall instead recommend the occupational health and safety standards to the 
122.7 	commissioner. The commissioner shall adopt nursing home health and safety standards 
122.8 	under section 182.655 as recommended by the board, unless the commissioner determines 
122.9 	that the recommended standard is outside the statutory authority of the commissioner, 
122.10 	presents enforceability challenges, is infeasible to implement, or is otherwise unlawful and 
122.11 	issues a written explanation of this determination.
122.12 		Subd. 2.Investigation of market conditions. (a) The board must investigate market 
122.13 	conditions and the existing wages, benefits, and working conditions of nursing home workers 
122.14 	for specific geographic areas of the state and specific nursing home occupations. Based on 
122.15 	this information, the board must seek to adopt minimum nursing home employment standards 
122.16 	that meet or exceed existing industry conditions for a majority of nursing home workers in 
122.17 	the relevant geographic area and nursing home occupation. Except for standards exceeding 
122.18 	the threshold determined in paragraph (d), initial employment standards established by the 
122.19 	board are effective beginning January 1, 2025, and shall remain in effect until any subsequent 
122.20 	standards are adopted by rules.
122.21 	(b) The board must consider the following types of information in making determinations 
122.22 	that employment standards are reasonably necessary to protect the health and welfare of 
122.23 	nursing home workers:
122.24 	(1) wage rate and benefit data collected by or submitted to the board for nursing home 
122.25 	workers in the relevant geographic area and nursing home occupations;
122.26 	(2) statements showing wage rates and benefits paid to nursing home workers in the 
122.27 	relevant geographic area and nursing home occupations;
122.28 	(3) signed collective bargaining agreements applicable to nursing home workers in the 
122.29 	relevant geographic area and nursing home occupations;
122.30 	(4) testimony and information from current and former nursing home workers, worker 
122.31 	organizations, nursing home employers, and employer organizations;
122.32 	(5) local minimum nursing home employment standards;
122.33 	(6) information submitted by or obtained from state and local government entities; and
123.1 	(7) any other information pertinent to establishing minimum nursing home employment 
123.2 	standards.
123.3 	(c) In considering wage and benefit increases, the board must determine the impact of 
123.4 	nursing home operating payment rates determined pursuant to section 256R.21, subdivision 
123.5 	3, and the employee benefits portion of the external fixed costs payment rate determined 
123.6 	pursuant to section 256R.25. If the board, in consultation with the commissioner of human 
123.7 	services, determines the operating payment rate and employee benefits portion of the external 
123.8 	fixed costs payment rate will increase to comply with the new employment standards, the 
123.9 	board shall report to the legislature the increase in funding needed to increase payment rates 
123.10 	to comply with the new employment standards and must make implementation of any new 
123.11 	nursing home employment standards contingent upon an appropriation, as determined by 
123.12 	sections 256R.21 and 256R.25, to fund the rate increase necessary to comply with the new 
123.13 	employment standards.
123.14 	(d) In evaluating the impact of the employment standards on payment rates determined 
123.15 	by sections 256R.21 and 256R.25, the board, in consultation with the commissioner of 
123.16 	human services, must consider the following:
123.17 	(1) the statewide average wage rates for employees pursuant to section 256R.10, 
123.18 	subdivision 5, and benefit rates pursuant to section 256R.02, subdivisions 18 and 22, as 
123.19 	determined by the annual Medicaid cost report used to determine the operating payment 
123.20 	rate and the employee benefits portion of the external fixed costs payment rate for the first 
123.21 	day of the calendar year immediately following the date the board has established minimum 
123.22 	wage and benefit levels;
123.23 	(2) compare the results of clause (1) to the operating payment rate and employee benefits 
123.24 	portion of the external fixed costs payment rate increase for the first day of the second 
123.25 	calendar year after the adoption of any nursing home employment standards included in the 
123.26 	most recent budget and economic forecast completed under section 16A.103; and
123.27 	(3) if the established nursing home employment standards result in an increase in costs 
123.28 	that exceed the operating payment rate and external fixed costs payment rate increase 
123.29 	included in the most recent budget and economic forecast completed under section 16A.103, 
123.30 	effective on the proposed implementation date of the new nursing home employment 
123.31 	standards, the board must determine the rates will need to be increased to meet the new 
123.32 	employment standards and the standards must not be effective until an appropriation sufficient 
123.33 	to cover the rate increase and federal approval of the rate increase is obtained.
124.1 	(e) The budget and economic forecasts completed under section 16A.103 shall not 
124.2 	assume an increase in payment rates determined under chapter 256R resulting from the new 
124.3 	employment standards until the board certifies the rates will need to be increased and the 
124.4 	legislature appropriates funding for the increase in payment rates.
124.5 		Subd. 3.Review of standards. At least once every two years, the board shall:
124.6 	(1) conduct a full review of the adequacy of the minimum nursing home employment 
124.7 	standards previously established by the board; and
124.8 	(2) following that review, adopt new rules, amend or repeal existing rules, or make 
124.9 	recommendations to adopt new rules or amend or repeal existing rules for minimum nursing 
124.10 	home employment standards using the expedited rulemaking process in section 14.389, as 
124.11 	appropriate to meet the purposes of sections 181.211 to 181.217.
124.12 		Subd. 4.Variance and waiver. The board shall adopt procedures for considering 
124.13 	temporary variances and waivers of the established standards for individual nursing homes 
124.14 	based on the board's evaluation of the risk of closure due to compliance with all or part of 
124.15 	an applicable standard.
124.16 		Subd. 5.Conflict. (a) In the event of a conflict between a standard established by the 
124.17 	board in rule and a rule adopted by another state agency, the rule adopted by the board shall 
124.18 	apply to nursing home workers and nursing home employers.
124.19 	(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), in the event of a conflict between a standard 
124.20 	established by the board in rule and a rule adopted by another state agency, the rule adopted 
124.21 	by the other state agency shall apply to nursing home workers and nursing home employers 
124.22 	if the rule adopted by the other state agency is adopted after the board's standard and the 
124.23 	rule adopted by the other state agency is more protective or beneficial than the board's 
124.24 	standard.
124.25 	(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if the commissioner of health determines that a 
124.26 	standard established by the board in rule or recommended by the board conflicts with 
124.27 	requirements in federal regulations for nursing home certification or with state statutes or 
124.28 	rules governing licensure of nursing homes, the federal regulations or state nursing home 
124.29 	licensure statutes or rules shall take precedence, and the conflicting board standard or rule 
124.30 	shall not apply to nursing home workers or nursing home employers.
124.31 		Subd. 6.Effect on other agreements. Nothing in sections 181.211 to 181.217 shall be 
124.32 	construed to:
125.1 	(1) limit the rights of parties to a collective bargaining agreement to bargain and agree 
125.2 	with respect to nursing home employment standards; or
125.3 	(2) diminish the obligation of a nursing home employer to comply with any contract, 
125.4 	collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefit program or plan that meets or 
125.5 	exceeds, and does not conflict with, the minimum standards and requirements in sections 
125.6 	181.211 to 181.217 or established by the board.

125.7 	Sec. 7. [181.214] DUTIES OF THE BOARD; TRAINING FOR NURSING HOME 
125.8 	WORKERS.
125.9 		Subdivision 1.Certification of worker organizations. The board shall certify worker 
125.10 	organizations that it finds are qualified to provide training to nursing home workers according 
125.11 	to this section. The board shall by rule establish certification criteria that a worker 
125.12 	organization must meet in order to be certified and provide a process for renewal of 
125.13 	certification upon the board's review of the worker organization's compliance with this 
125.14 	section. In adopting rules to establish certification criteria under this subdivision, the board 
125.15 	may use the authority in section 14.389. The criteria must ensure that a worker organization, 
125.16 	if certified, is able to provide:
125.17 	(1) effective, interactive training on the information required by this section; and
125.18 	(2) follow-up written materials and responses to inquiries from nursing home workers 
125.19 	in the languages in which nursing home workers are proficient.
125.20 		Subd. 2.Curriculum. (a) The board shall establish requirements for the curriculum for 
125.21 	the nursing home worker training required by this section. A curriculum must at least provide 
125.22 	the following information to nursing home workers:
125.23 	(1) the applicable compensation and working conditions in the minimum standards or 
125.24 	local minimum standards established by the board;
125.25 	(2) the antiretaliation protections established in section 181.216;
125.26 	(3) information on how to enforce sections 181.211 to 181.217 and on how to report 
125.27 	violations of sections 181.211 to 181.217 or of standards established by the board, including 
125.28 	contact information for the Department of Labor and Industry, the board, and any local 
125.29 	enforcement agencies, and information on the remedies available for violations;
125.30 	(4) the purposes and functions of the board and information on upcoming hearings, 
125.31 	investigations, or other opportunities for nursing home workers to become involved in board 
125.32 	proceedings;
126.1 	(5) other rights, duties, and obligations under sections 181.211 to 181.217;
126.2 	(6) any updates or changes to the information provided according to clauses (1) to (5) 
126.3 	since the most recent training session;
126.4 	(7) any other information the board deems appropriate to facilitate compliance with 
126.5 	sections 181.211 to 181.217; and
126.6 	(8) information on labor standards in other applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, 
126.7 	and ordinances regarding nursing home working conditions or nursing home worker health 
126.8 	and safety.
126.9 	(b) Before establishing initial curriculum requirements, the board must hold at least one 
126.10 	public hearing to solicit input on the requirements.
126.11 		Subd. 3.Topics covered in training session. A certified worker organization is not 
126.12 	required to cover all of the topics listed in subdivision 2 in a single training session. A 
126.13 	curriculum used by a certified worker organization may provide instruction on each topic 
126.14 	listed in subdivision 2 over the course of up to three training sessions.
126.15 		Subd. 4.Annual review of curriculum requirements. The board must review the 
126.16 	adequacy of its curriculum requirements at least annually and must revise the requirements 
126.17 	as appropriate to meet the purposes of sections 181.211 to 181.217. As part of each annual 
126.18 	review of the curriculum requirements, the board must hold at least one public hearing to 
126.19 	solicit input on the requirements.
126.20 		Subd. 5.Duties of certified worker organizations. A certified worker organization:
126.21 	(1) must use a curriculum for its training sessions that meets requirements established 
126.22 	by the board;
126.23 	(2) must provide trainings that are interactive and conducted in the languages in which 
126.24 	the attending nursing home workers are proficient;
126.25 	(3) must, at the end of each training session, provide attending nursing home workers 
126.26 	with follow-up written or electronic materials on the topics covered in the training session, 
126.27 	in order to fully inform nursing home workers of their rights and opportunities under sections 
126.28 	181.211 to 181.217;
126.29 	(4) must make itself reasonably available to respond to inquiries from nursing home 
126.30 	workers during and after training sessions; and
126.31 	(5) may conduct surveys of nursing home workers who attend a training session to assess 
126.32 	the effectiveness of the training session and industry compliance with sections 181.211 to 
127.1 	181.217 and other applicable laws, rules, and ordinances governing nursing home working 
127.2 	conditions or worker health and safety.
127.3 		Subd. 6.Nursing home employer duties regarding training. (a) A nursing home 
127.4 	employer must submit written documentation to the board to certify that every two years 
127.5 	each of its nursing home workers completes one hour of training that meets the requirements 
127.6 	of this section and is provided by a certified worker organization. A nursing home employer 
127.7 	may but is not required to host training sessions on the premises of the nursing home.
127.8 	(b) If requested by a certified worker organization, a nursing home employer must, after 
127.9 	a training session provided by the certified worker organization, provide the certified worker 
127.10 	organization with the names and contact information of the nursing home workers who 
127.11 	attended the training session, unless a nursing home worker opts out according to paragraph 
127.12 	(c).
127.13 	(c) A nursing home worker may opt out of having the worker's nursing home employer 
127.14 	provide the worker's name and contact information to a certified worker organization that 
127.15 	provided a training session attended by the worker by submitting a written statement to that 
127.16 	effect to the nursing home employer.
127.17 		Subd. 7.Training compensation. A nursing home employer must compensate its nursing 
127.18 	home workers at their regular hourly rate of wages and benefits for each hour of training 
127.19 	completed as required by this section and reimburse any reasonable travel expenses associated 
127.20 	with attending training sessions not held on the premises of the nursing home.

127.21 	Sec. 8. [181.215] REQUIRED NOTICES.
127.22 		Subdivision 1.Provision of notice. (a) Nursing home employers must provide notices 
127.23 	informing nursing home workers of the rights and obligations provided under sections 
127.24 	181.211 to 181.217 of applicable minimum nursing home employment standards and local 
127.25 	minimum standards and that for assistance and information, nursing home workers should 
127.26 	contact the Department of Labor and Industry. A nursing home employer must provide 
127.27 	notice using the same means that the nursing home employer uses to provide other 
127.28 	work-related notices to nursing home workers. Provision of notice must be at least as 
127.29 	conspicuous as:
127.30 	(1) posting a copy of the notice at each work site where nursing home workers work 
127.31 	and where the notice may be readily seen and reviewed by all nursing home workers working 
127.32 	at the site; or
128.1 	(2) providing a paper or electronic copy of the notice to all nursing home workers and 
128.2 	applicants for employment as a nursing home worker.
128.3 	(b) The notice required by this subdivision must include text provided by the board that 
128.4 	informs nursing home workers that they may request the notice to be provided in a particular 
128.5 	language. The nursing home employer must provide the notice in the language requested 
128.6 	by the nursing home worker. The board must assist nursing home employers in translating 
128.7 	the notice in the languages requested by their nursing home workers.
128.8 		Subd. 2.Minimum content and posting requirements. The board must adopt rules 
128.9 	under section 14.389 specifying the minimum content and posting requirements for the 
128.10 	notices required in subdivision 1. The board must make available to nursing home employers 
128.11 	a template or sample notice that satisfies the requirements of this section and rules adopted 
128.12 	under this section.

128.13 	Sec. 9. [181.216] RETALIATION PROHIBITED.
128.14 	(a) A nursing home employer shall not discharge, discipline, penalize, interfere with, 
128.15 	threaten, restrain, coerce, or otherwise retaliate or discriminate against a nursing home 
128.16 	worker because the person has exercised or attempted to exercise rights protected under 
128.17 	this act, including but not limited to:
128.18 	(1) exercising any right afforded to the nursing home worker under sections 181.211 to 
128.19 	181.217;
128.20 	(2) participating in any process or proceeding under sections 181.211 to 181.217, 
128.21 	including but not limited to board hearings, board or department investigations, or other 
128.22 	related proceedings;
128.23 	(3) attending or participating in the training required by section 181.214;
128.24 	(4) informing another employer that a nursing home worker has engaged in activities 
128.25 	protected under sections 181.211 to 181.217; or
128.26 	(5) reporting or threatening to report the actual or suspected citizenship or immigration 
128.27 	status of a nursing home worker, former nursing home worker, or family member of a 
128.28 	nursing home worker to a federal, state, or local agency for exercising or attempting to 
128.29 	exercise any right protected under this act.
128.30 	(b) A nursing home worker found to have experienced retaliation in violation of this 
128.31 	section shall be entitled to reinstatement to the worker's previous position, wages, benefits, 
128.32 	hours, and other conditions of employment.

129.1 	Sec. 10. [181.217] ENFORCEMENT.
129.2 		Subdivision 1.Minimum nursing home employment standards. Except as provided 
129.3 	in section 181.213, subdivision 4, paragraph (b) or (c), the minimum wages  and other 
129.4 	compensation established by the board in rule as minimum nursing home employment 
129.5 	standards shall be the minimum wages and other compensation for nursing home workers 
129.6 	or a subgroup of nursing home workers as a matter of state law. Except as provided in 
129.7 	section 181.213, subdivision 4, paragraph (b) or (c), it shall be unlawful for a nursing home 
129.8 	employer to employ a nursing home worker for lower wages or other compensation than 
129.9 	that established as the minimum nursing home employment standards.
129.10 		Subd. 2.Investigations. The commissioner may investigate possible violations of sections 
129.11 	181.214 to 181.217 or of the minimum nursing home employment standards established by 
129.12 	the board whenever it has cause to believe that a violation has occurred, either on the basis 
129.13 	of a report of a suspected violation or on the basis of any other credible information, including 
129.14 	violations found during the course of an investigation.
129.15 		Subd. 3.Civil action by nursing home worker. (a) One or more nursing home workers 
129.16 	may bring a civil action in district court seeking redress for violations of sections 181.211 
129.17 	to 181.217 or of any applicable minimum nursing home employment standards or local 
129.18 	minimum nursing home employment standards. Such an action may be filed in the district 
129.19 	court of the county where a violation or violations are alleged to have been committed or 
129.20 	where the nursing home employer resides, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, 
129.21 	and may represent a class of similarly situated nursing home workers.
129.22 	(b) Upon a finding of one or more violations, a nursing home employer shall be liable 
129.23 	to each nursing home worker for the full amount of the wages, benefits, and overtime 
129.24 	compensation, less any amount the nursing home employer is able to establish was actually 
129.25 	paid to each nursing home worker, and for an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. 
129.26 	In an action under this subdivision, nursing home workers may seek damages and other 
129.27 	appropriate relief provided by section 177.27, subdivision 7, or otherwise provided by law, 
129.28 	including reasonable costs, disbursements, witness fees, and attorney fees. A court may also 
129.29 	issue an order requiring compliance with sections 181.211 to 181.217 or with the applicable 
129.30 	minimum nursing home employment standards or local minimum nursing home employment 
129.31 	standards. A nursing home worker found to have experienced retaliation in violation of 
129.32 	section 181.216 shall be entitled to reinstatement to the worker's previous position, wages, 
129.33 	benefits, hours, and other conditions of employment.
130.1 	(c) An agreement between a nursing home employer and nursing home worker or labor 
130.2 	union that fails to meet the minimum standards and requirements in sections 181.211 to 
130.3 	181.217 or established by the board is not a defense to an action brought under this 
130.4 	subdivision.

130.5 	Sec. 11. INITIAL APPOINTMENTS.
 130.6 	(a) The governor shall make initial appointments to the Minnesota Nursing Home 
130.7 	Workforce Standards Board under Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, no later than August 
130.8 	1, 2023.
130.9 	(b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision 2, the initial terms 
130.10 	of members appointed under Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision 1, paragraph 
130.11 	(a), clauses (4) and (5), shall be determined by lot by the secretary of state and shall be as 
130.12 	follows:
130.13 	(1) one member appointed under each of Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision 
130.14 	1, paragraph (a), clauses (4) and (5), shall serve a two-year term;
130.15 	(2) one member appointed under each of Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision 
130.16 	1, paragraph (a), clauses (4) and (5), shall serve a three-year term; and
130.17 	(3) one member appointed under each of Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision 
130.18 	1, paragraph (a), clauses (4) and (5), shall serve a four-year term.
130.19 	The commissioner of labor and industry must convene the first meeting within 30 days after 
130.20 	the governor completes appointments to the board. The board must elect a chair at its first 
130.21 	meeting.

130.22 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

130.23 	ARTICLE 9
130.24 	PETROLEUM REFINERY SKILLED WORKERS

130.25 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
130.26 		Subd. 4.Compliance orders. The commissioner may issue an order requiring an 
130.27 	employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.435, 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 181.032, 
130.28 	181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d), 181.275, 
130.29 	subdivision 2a, 181.722, 181.79, and 181.939 to 181.943, and 181.987, or with any rule 
130.30 	promulgated under section 177.28. The commissioner shall issue an order requiring an 
130.31 	employer to comply with sections 177.41 to 177.435or 181.987 if the violation is repeated. 
131.1 	For purposes of this subdivision only, a violation is repeated if at any time during the two 
131.2 	years that preceded the date of violation, the commissioner issued an order to the employer 
131.3 	for violation of sections 177.41 to 177.435 or 181.987 and the order is final or the 
131.4 	commissioner and the employer have entered into a settlement agreement that required the 
131.5 	employer to pay back wages that were required by sections 177.41 to 177.435. The 
131.6 	department shall serve the order upon the employer or the employer's authorized 
131.7 	representative in person or by certified mail at the employer's place of business. An employer 
131.8 	who wishes to contest the order must file written notice of objection to the order with the 
131.9 	commissioner within 15 calendar days after being served with the order. A contested case 
131.10 	proceeding must then be held in accordance with sections 14.57 to 14.69. If, within 15 
131.11 	calendar days after being served with the order, the employer fails to file a written notice 
131.12 	of objection with the commissioner, the order becomes a final order of the commissioner.

131.13 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2024.

131.14 	Sec. 2. [181.987] USE OF SKILLED AND TRAINED CONTRACTOR 
131.15 	WORKFORCES AT PETROLEUM REFINERIES.
131.16 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
131.17 	the meanings given.
131.18 	(b) "Contractor" means a vendor that enters into or seeks to enter into a contract with 
131.19 	an owner or operator of a petroleum refinery to perform construction, alteration, demolition, 
131.20 	installation, repair, maintenance, or hazardous material handling work at the site of the 
131.21 	petroleum refinery. Contractor includes all contractors or subcontractors of any tier 
131.22 	performing work as described in this paragraph at the site of the petroleum refinery. 
131.23 	Contractor does not include employees of the owner or operator of a petroleum refinery.
131.24 	(c) "Registered apprenticeship program" means an apprenticeship program  registered 
131.25 	with the Department of Labor and Industry under chapter 178 or with the United States 
131.26 	Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship or a recognized state apprenticeship agency 
131.27 	under Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, parts 29 and 30.
131.28 	(d) "Skilled and trained workforce" means a workforce in which each employee of the 
131.29 	contractor or subcontractor of any tier working at the site of the petroleum refinery in an 
131.30 	apprenticeable occupation in the building and construction trades meets one of the following 
131.31 	criteria:
131.32 	(1) is currently registered as an apprentice in a registered apprenticeship program in the 
131.33 	applicable trade;
132.1 	(2) has graduated from a registered apprenticeship program in the applicable trade;
132.2 	(3) has completed all of the related instruction and on-the-job learning requirements 
132.3 	needed to graduate from the registered apprenticeship program their employer participates 
132.4 	in; or
132.5 	(4) has at least five years of experience working in the applicable trade and is currently 
132.6 	participating in journeyworker upgrade training in a registered apprenticeship program in 
132.7 	the applicable trade or has completed any training identified as necessary by the registered 
132.8 	apprenticeship training program for the employee to become a qualified journeyworker in 
132.9 	the applicable trade.
132.10 	(e) "Petroleum refinery" means a facility engaged in producing gasoline, kerosene, 
132.11 	distillate fuel oils, residual fuel oil, lubricants, or other products through distillation of 
132.12 	petroleum or through redistillation, cracking, or reforming of unfinished petroleum 
132.13 	derivatives. Petroleum refinery includes fluid catalytic cracking unit catalyst regenerators, 
132.14 	fluid catalytic cracking unit incinerator-waste heat boilers, fuel gas combustion devices, 
132.15 	and indirect heating equipment associated with the refinery.
132.16 	(f) "Apprenticeable occupation" means any trade, form of employment, or occupation 
132.17 	approved for apprenticeship by the commissioner of labor and industry or the United States 
132.18 	Secretary of Labor.
132.19 	(g) "OEM" means original equipment manufacturer and refers to organizations that 
132.20 	manufacture or fabricate equipment for sale directly to purchasers or other resellers.
132.21 		Subd. 2.Use of contractors by owner, operator; requirement. (a) An owner or operator 
132.22 	of a petroleum refinery shall, when contracting with contractors for the performance of 
132.23 	construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, maintenance, or hazardous material 
132.24 	handling work at the site of the petroleum refinery, require that the contractors performing 
132.25 	that work, and any subcontractors of any tier, use a skilled and trained workforce when 
132.26 	performing that work at the site of the petroleum refinery. The requirement to use a safe 
132.27 	and skilled workforce under this section shall apply to each contractor and subcontractor 
132.28 	of any tier when performing construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, 
132.29 	maintenance, or hazardous material handling work at the site of the petroleum refinery.
132.30 	(b) The requirement under this subdivision applies only when each contractor and 
132.31 	subcontractor of any tier is performing work at the site of the petroleum refinery.
133.1 	(c) The requirement under this subdivision does not apply when an owner or operator 
133.2 	contracts with contractors or subcontractors hired to install OEM equipment and to perform 
133.3 	OEM work to comply with equipment warranty requirements.
133.4 	(d) A contractor's workforce must meet the requirements of subdivision 1, paragraph 
133.5 	(d), according to the following schedule:
133.6 	(1) 30 percent by January 1, 2024;
133.7 	(2) 45 percent by January 1, 2025; and
133.8 	(3) 60 percent by January 1, 2026.
133.9 	(e) If a contractor is required under a collective bargaining agreement to hire workers 
133.10 	referred by a labor organization for the petroleum refinery worksite, and the labor 
133.11 	organization is unable to refer sufficient workers for the contractor to comply with the 
133.12 	applicable percentage provided in subdivision 2, paragraph (d), within 48 hours of the 
133.13 	contractor's request excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the contractor shall be 
133.14 	relieved of the obligation to comply with the applicable percentage and shall use the 
133.15 	maximum percentage of a skilled and trained workforce that is available to the contractor 
133.16 	from the labor organization's referral procedure. The contractor shall comply with the 
133.17 	applicable percentage provided in subdivision 2, paragraph (d), once the labor organization 
133.18 	is able to refer sufficient workers for the contractor to comply with the applicable percentage.
133.19 	(f) This section shall not apply to a contractor to the extent that an emergency makes 
133.20 	compliance with this section impracticable for the contractor because the emergency requires 
133.21 	immediate action by the contractor to prevent harm to public health or safety or to the 
133.22 	environment. The requirements of this section shall apply to the contractor once the 
133.23 	emergency ends or it becomes practicable for the contractor to obtain a skilled and trained 
133.24 	workforce for the refinery worksite, whichever occurs sooner.
133.25 	(g) An owner or operator is exempt from this section if:
133.26 	(1) the owner or operator has entered into a project labor agreement with a council of 
133.27 	building trades labor organizations requiring participation in registered apprenticeship 
133.28 	programs, or all contractors and subcontractors of any tier have entered into bona fide 
133.29 	collective bargaining agreements with labor organizations requiring participation in registered 
133.30 	apprenticeship programs; and
133.31 	(2) all contracted work at the petroleum refinery that is subject to this section is also 
133.32 	subject to the project labor agreement or collective bargaining agreements requiring 
133.33 	participation in such registered apprenticeship programs.
134.1 		Subd. 3.Penalties. (a) The Division of Labor Standards shall receive complaints of 
134.2 	violations of this section. The commissioner of labor and industry shall fine an owner or 
134.3 	operator, contractor, or subcontractor of any tier not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000 
134.4 	for each violation of the requirements in this section. An owner or operator, contractor, or 
134.5 	subcontractor of any tier shall be considered an employer for purposes of section 177.27.
134.6 	(b) An owner or operator shall be found in violation of this section, and subject to fines 
134.7 	and other penalties, for failing to:
134.8 	(1) require a skilled and trained workforce in its contracts and subcontracts as required 
134.9 	by subdivision 2, paragraph (a); or
134.10 	(2) enforce the requirement of use of a skilled and trained workforce as required by 
134.11 	subdivision 2, paragraph (a).
134.12 	(c) A contractor or subcontractor shall be found in violation of this section, and subject 
134.13 	to fines and other penalties, if the contractor or subcontractor fails to use a skilled and trained 
134.14 	workforce as required by subdivision 2, paragraph (a).
134.15 	(d) Each shift on which a violation of this section occurs shall be considered a separate 
134.16 	violation. This fine is in addition to any penalties provided under section 177.27, subdivision 
134.17 	7. In determining the amount of a fine under this subdivision, the appropriateness of the 
134.18 	fine to the size of the violator's business and the gravity of the violation shall be considered.

134.19 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2024, and applies to contracts 
134.20 	entered into, extended, or renewed on or after that date. Existing contracts entered into 
134.21 	before January 1, 2024, must be renegotiated to comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 
134.22 	181.987, by January 1, 2025.

134.23 	ARTICLE 10
134.24 	COMBATIVE SPORTS

134.25 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
134.26 		Subd. 2a.Combatant. "Combatant" means an individual who employs the act of attack 
134.27 	and defense as a professional boxer, professional or amateur tough person, martial artist
134.28 	professional or amateur kickboxer, or professional or amateur mixed martial artist while 
134.29 	engaged in a combative sport.

135.1 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:
135.2 		Subd. 2b.Combative sport. "Combative sport" means a sport that employs the act of 
135.3 	attack and defense with the fists, with or without using padded gloves, or feet that is practiced 
135.4 	as a sport under the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, unified rules for mixed 
135.5 	martial arts, or their equivalent. Combative sports include professional boxing and,
135.6 	professional and amateur tough person, professional or amateur kickboxing, and professional 
135.7 	and amateur mixed martial arts contests.

135.8 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 2c, is amended to read:
135.9 		Subd. 2c.Combative sports contest. "Combative sports contest" means a professional 
135.10 	boxing, a professional or amateur tough person, a professional or amateur kickboxing, or 
135.11 	a professional or amateur martial art contest or mixed martial arts contest, bout, competition, 
135.12 	match, or exhibition.

135.13 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 4f, is amended to read:
135.14 		Subd. 4f.Martial art. "Martial art" means a variety of weaponless disciplines of combat 
135.15 	or self-defense that utilize physical skill and coordination, and are practiced as combat 
135.16 	sports. The disciplines include, but are not limited to, Wing Chun, kickboxing, Tae kwon 
135.17 	do, savate, karate, Muay Thai, sanshou, Jiu Jitsu, judo, ninjitsu, kung fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, 
135.18 	wrestling, grappling, tai chi, and other weaponless martial arts disciplines.

135.19 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
135.20 	read:
135.21 		Subd. 4i.Kickboxing. "Kickboxing" means the act of attack and defense with the fists 
135.22 	using padded gloves and bare feet.

135.23 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
135.24 		Subd. 7.Tough person contest. "Tough person contest," including contests marketed 
135.25 	as tough man or tough woman contests, means a contest of two-minute rounds consisting 
135.26 	of not more than four rounds between two or more individuals who use their hands, or their 
135.27 	feet, or both in any manner. Tough person contest includes kickboxing and other recognized 
135.28 	martial art contest boxing match or similar contest where each combatant wears headgear 
135.29 	and gloves that weigh at least 12 ounces.

136.1 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.221, is amended to read:
136.2 	341.221 ADVISORY COUNCIL.
136.3 	(a) The commissioner must appoint a Combative Sports Advisory Council to advise the 
136.4 	commissioner on the administration of duties under this chapter.
136.5 	(b) The council shall have nine five members appointed by the commissioner. One 
136.6 	member must be a retired judge of the Minnesota District Court, Minnesota Court of Appeals, 
136.7 	Minnesota Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, 
136.8 	or the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. At least four All five members must have knowledge 
136.9 	of the boxing industry. At least four members must have knowledge of the mixed martial 
136.10 	arts industry combative sports. The commissioner shall make serious efforts to appoint 
136.11 	qualified women to serve on the council.
136.12 	(c) Council members shall serve terms of four years with the terms ending on the first 
136.13 	Monday in January.
136.14 	(d) (c) The council shall annually elect from its membership a chair.
136.15 	(e) (d) Meetings shall be convened by the commissioner, or by the chair with the approval 
136.16 	of the commissioner.
136.17 	(f) The commissioner shall designate two of the members to serve until the first Monday 
136.18 	in January 2013; two members to serve until the first Monday in January 2014; two members 
136.19 	to serve until the first Monday in January 2015; and three members to serve until the first 
136.20 	Monday in January 2016.
136.21 	(e) Appointments to the council and the terms of council members are governed by 
136.22 	sections 15.059 and 15.0597.
136.23 	(g) (f) Removal of members, filling of vacancies, and compensation of members shall 
136.24 	be as provided in section 15.059.
136.25 	(g) Meetings convened for the purpose of advising the commissioner on issues related 
136.26 	to a challenge filed under section 341.345 are exempt from the open meeting requirements 
136.27 	of chapter 13D.

136.28 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.25, is amended to read:
136.29 	341.25 RULES.
136.30 	(a) The commissioner may adopt rules that include standards for the physical examination 
136.31 	and condition of combatants and referees.
137.1 	(b) The commissioner may adopt other rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this 
137.2 	chapter, including, but not limited to, the conduct of all combative sport contests and their 
137.3 	manner, supervision, time, and place.
137.4 	(c) The commissioner must adopt unified rules for mixed martial arts contests.
137.5 	(d) The commissioner may adopt the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, 
137.6 	with amendments.
137.7 	(e) (c) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, as 
137.8 	promulgated by the Association of Boxing Commissions and amended August 2, 2016, are, 
137.9 	is incorporated by reference and made a part of this chapter except as qualified by this 
137.10 	chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 2202. In the event of a conflict between this chapter 
137.11 	and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.
137.12 	(d) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Boxing, as promulgated by the 
137.13 	Association of Boxing Commissions, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this 
137.14 	chapter except as qualified by this chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 2201. In the event 
137.15 	of a conflict between this chapter and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.
137.16 	(e) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Kickboxing, as promulgated by the 
137.17 	Association of Boxing Commissions, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this 
137.18 	chapter except as qualified by this chapter and any applicable Minnesota Rules.  In the event 
137.19 	of a conflict between this chapter and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.

137.20 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.27, is amended to read:
137.21 	341.27 COMMISSIONER DUTIES.
137.22 	The commissioner shall:
137.23 	(1) issue, deny, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses;
137.24 	(2) make and maintain records of its acts and proceedings including the issuance, denial, 
137.25 	renewal, suspension, or revocation of licenses;
137.26 	(3) keep public records of the council open to inspection at all reasonable times;
137.27 	(4) develop rules to be implemented under this chapter;
137.28 	(5) conform to the rules adopted under this chapter;
137.29 	(6) develop policies and procedures for regulating boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial 
137.30 	arts;
138.1 	(7) approve regulatory bodies to oversee martial arts and amateur boxing contests under 
138.2 	section 341.28, subdivision 5;
138.3 	(7) (8) immediately suspend an individual license for a medical condition, including but 
138.4 	not limited to a medical condition resulting from an injury sustained during a match, bout, 
138.5 	or contest that has been confirmed by the ringside physician. The medical suspension must 
138.6 	be lifted after the commissioner receives written information from a physician licensed in 
138.7 	the home state of the licensee indicating that the combatant may resume competition, and 
138.8 	any other information that the commissioner may by rule require. Medical suspensions are 
138.9 	not subject to section 326B.082 or the contested case procedures provided in sections 14.57 
138.10 	to 14.69; and
138.11 	(8) (9) immediately suspend an individual combatant license for a mandatory rest period, 
138.12 	which must commence at the conclusion of every combative sports contest in which the 
138.13 	license holder competes and does not receive a medical suspension. A rest suspension must 
138.14 	automatically lift after 14 calendar days from the date the combative sports contest passed 
138.15 	without notice or additional proceedings. Rest suspensions are not subject to section 326B.082
138.16 	or the contested case procedures provided in sections 14.57 to 14.69.

138.17 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
138.18 		Subd. 2.Regulatory authority; tough person contests. All professional and amateur 
138.19 	tough person contests are subject to this chapter. All tough person contests are subject to 
138.20 	the most recent version of the Unified Rules of Boxing, as promulgated by the Association 
138.21 	of Boxing Commissions rules. Every contestant in a tough person contest shall have a 
138.22 	physical examination prior to their bouts. Every contestant in a tough person contest shall 
138.23 	wear headgear and padded gloves that weigh at least 12 ounces. All tough person bouts are 
138.24 	limited to two-minute rounds and a maximum of four total rounds. Officials at all tough 
138.25 	person contests shall be licensed under this chapter.

138.26 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
138.27 		Subd. 3.Regulatory authority; mixed martial arts contests; similar sporting 
138.28 	events. All professional and amateur mixed martial arts contests, martial arts contests except 
138.29 	amateur contests regulated by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), recognized 
138.30 	martial arts studios and schools in Minnesota, and recognized national martial arts 
138.31 	organizations holding contests between students, ultimate fight contests, and similar sporting 
138.32 	events are subject to this chapter and all officials at these events must be licensed under this 
138.33 	chapter.

139.1 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
139.2 	read:
139.3 		Subd. 4.Regulatory authority; kickboxing contests. All professional and amateur 
139.4 	kickboxing contests are subject to this chapter and all officials at these events must be 
139.5 	licensed under this chapter.

139.6 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
139.7 	read:
139.8 		Subd. 5.Regulatory authority; martial arts and amateur boxing.  (a) Unless this 
139.9 	chapter specifically states otherwise, contests or exhibitions for martial arts and amateur 
139.10 	boxing are exempt from the requirements of this chapter and officials at these events are 
139.11 	not required to be licensed under this chapter.
139.12 	(b) Martial arts and amateur boxing contests, unless subject to the exceptions set forth 
139.13 	in subdivision 6, must be regulated by a nationally recognized organization approved by 
139.14 	the commissioner. The organization must have a set of written standards, procedures, or 
139.15 	rules used to sanction the combative sports it oversees.
139.16 	(c) Any regulatory body overseeing a martial arts or amateur boxing event must submit 
139.17 	bout results to the commissioner within 72 hours after the event. If the regulatory body 
139.18 	issues suspensions, the regulatory body must submit to the commissioner a list of any 
139.19 	suspensions resulting from the event within 72 hours after the event. Regulatory bodies that 
139.20 	oversee combative sports or martial arts contests under subdivision 6 are not subject to this 
139.21 	paragraph.

139.22 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
139.23 	read:
139.24 		Subd. 6.Regulatory authority; certain students. Combative sports or martial arts 
139.25 	contests regulated by the Minnesota State High School League, National Collegiate Athletic 
139.26 	Association, National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association, National Association of 
139.27 	Intercollegiate Athletics, or any similar organization that governs interscholastic athletics 
139.28 	are not subject to this chapter and officials at these events are not required to be licensed 
139.29 	under this chapter.

139.30 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.30, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
139.31 		Subd. 4.Prelicensure requirements. (a) Before the commissioner issues a promoter's 
139.32 	license to an individual, corporation, or other business entity, the applicant shall, a minimum 
140.1 	of six weeks before the combative sport contest is scheduled to occur, complete a licensing 
140.2 	application on the Office of Combative Sports website or on forms furnished or approved
140.3 	prescribed by the commissioner and shall:
140.4 	(1) provide the commissioner with a copy of any agreement between a combatant and 
140.5 	the applicant that binds the applicant to pay the combatant a certain fixed fee or percentage 
140.6 	of the gate receipts;
140.7 	(2) (1) show on the licensing application the owner or owners of the applicant entity and 
140.8 	the percentage of interest held by each owner holding a 25 percent or more interest in the 
140.9 	applicant;
140.10 	(3) (2) provide the commissioner with a copy of the latest financial statement of the 
140.11 	applicant;
140.12 	(4) provide the commissioner with a copy or other proof acceptable to the commissioner 
140.13 	of the insurance contract or policy required by this chapter;
140.14 	(5) (3) provide proof, where applicable, of authorization to do business in the state of 
140.15 	Minnesota; and
140.16 	(6) (4) deposit with the commissioner a cash bond or surety bond in an amount set by 
140.17 	the commissioner, which must not be less than $10,000. The bond shall be executed in favor 
140.18 	of this state and shall be conditioned on the faithful performance by the promoter of the 
140.19 	promoter's obligations under this chapter and the rules adopted under it.
140.20 	(b) Before the commissioner issues a license to a combatant, the applicant shall:
140.21 	(1) submit to the commissioner the results of a current medical examination examinations
140.22 	on forms furnished or approved prescribed by the commissioner that state that the combatant 
140.23 	is cleared to participate in a combative sport contest. The medical examination must include 
140.24 	an ophthalmological and neurological examination, and documentation of test results for 
140.25 	HBV, HCV, and HIV, and any other blood test as the commissioner by rule may require. 
140.26 	The ophthalmological examination must be designed to detect any retinal defects or other 
140.27 	damage or condition of the eye that could be aggravated by combative sports. The 
140.28 	neurological examination must include an electroencephalogram or medically superior test 
140.29 	if the combatant has been knocked unconscious in a previous contest. The commissioner 
140.30 	may also order an electroencephalogram or other appropriate neurological or physical 
140.31 	examination before any contest if it determines that the examination is desirable to protect 
140.32 	the health of the combatant. The commissioner shall not issue a license to an applicant 
140.33 	submitting positive test results for HBV, HCV, or HIV; The applicant must undergo and 
141.1 	submit the results of the following medical examinations, which do not exempt a combatant 
141.2 	from the requirements in section 341.33:
141.3 	(i) a physical examination performed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic 
141.4 	medicine, advance practice nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. Physical examinations 
141.5 	are valid for one year from the date of the exam;
141.6 	(ii) an ophthalmological examination performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist 
141.7 	that includes dilation designed to detect any retinal defects or other damage or a condition 
141.8 	of the eye that could be aggravated by combative sports. Ophthalmological examinations 
141.9 	are valid for one year from the date of the exam;
141.10 	(iii) blood work results for HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), HCV (Hepatitis C 
141.11 	antibody), and HIV. Blood work results are good for one year from the date blood was 
141.12 	drawn. The commissioner shall not issue a license to an applicant submitting positive test 
141.13 	results for HBsAg, HCV, or HIV; and
141.14 	(iv) other appropriate neurological or physical examinations before any contest, if the 
141.15 	commissioner determines that the examination is desirable to protect the health of the 
141.16 	combatant;
141.17 	(2) complete a licensing application on the Office of Combative Sports website or on 
141.18 	forms furnished or approved prescribed by the commissioner; and
141.19 	(3) provide proof that the applicant is 18 years of age. Acceptable proof is a photo driver's 
141.20 	license, state photo identification card, passport, or birth certificate combined with additional 
141.21 	photo identification.
141.22 	(c) Before the commissioner issues a license to a referee, judge, or timekeeper, the 
141.23 	applicant must submit proof of qualifications that may include certified training from the 
141.24 	Association of Boxing Commissions, licensure with other regulatory bodies, professional 
141.25 	references, or a log of bouts worked.
141.26 	(d) Before the commissioner issues a license to a ringside physician, the applicant must 
141.27 	submit proof that they are licensed to practice medicine in the state of Minnesota and in 
141.28 	good standing.

141.29 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
141.30 		Subd. 2.Expiration and application. Licenses issued on or after January 1, 2023, shall 
141.31 	expire annually on December 31 one year after the date of issuance. A license may be 
141.32 	applied for each year by filing an application for licensure and satisfying all licensure 
142.1 	requirements established in section 341.30, and submitting payment of the license fees 
142.2 	established in section 341.321. An application for a license and renewal of a license must 
142.3 	be on a form provided by the commissioner.

142.4 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.321, is amended to read:
142.5 	341.321 FEE SCHEDULE.
142.6 	(a) The fee schedule for professional and amateur licenses issued by the commissioner 
142.7 	is as follows:
142.8 	(1) referees, $25;
142.9 	(2) promoters, $700 $500;
142.10 	(3) judges and knockdown judges, $25;
142.11 	(4) trainers and seconds, $80 $40;
142.12 	(5) timekeepers, $25;
142.13 	(6) professional combatants, $70 $55;
142.14 	(7) amateur combatants, $50 $35; and
142.15 	(8) ringside physicians, $25.
142.16 	License fees for promoters are due at least six weeks prior to the combative sport contest.
142.17 	All other license fees shall be paid no later than the weigh-in prior to the contest. No license 
142.18 	may be issued until all prelicensure requirements in section 341.30 are satisfied and fees 
142.19 	are paid.
142.20 	(b) The commissioner shall establish a contest fee for each combative sport contest and 
142.21 	shall consider the size and type of venue when establishing a contest fee. The A promoter 
142.22 	or event organizer of an event regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry must pay, 
142.23 	per event, a  combative sport contest fee is $1,500 per event of $500 or not more than four 
142.24 	percent of the gross ticket sales, whichever is greater, as determined by the commissioner 
142.25 	when the combative sport contest is scheduled. The fee must be paid as follows:
142.26 	(c) A professional or amateur combative sport contest fee is nonrefundable and shall be 
142.27 	paid as follows:
142.28 	(1) $500 at the time the combative sport contest is scheduled; and
142.29 	(2) $1,000 at the weigh-in prior to the contest.
143.1 	(2) if four percent of the gross ticket sales is greater than $500, the balance is due to the 
143.2 	commissioner within 14 days of the completed contest; and
143.3 	(3) the value of all complimentary tickets distributed for an event, to the extent they 
143.4 	exceed five percent of total event attendance, counts toward gross tickets sales for the 
143.5 	purposes of determining a combative sports contest fee. For purposes of this clause, the 
143.6 	lowest advertised ticket price shall be used to calculate the value of complimentary tickets.
143.7 	If four percent of the gross ticket sales is greater than $1,500, the balance is due to the 
143.8 	commissioner within seven days of the completed contest.
143.9 	(d) The commissioner may establish the maximum number of complimentary tickets 
143.10 	allowed for each event by rule.
143.11 	(e) (c) All fees and penalties collected by the commissioner must be deposited in the 
143.12 	commissioner account in the special revenue fund.

143.13 	Sec. 18. [341.322] PAYMENT SCHEDULE.
143.14 	The commissioner may establish a schedule of payments to be paid by a promoter to 
143.15 	referees, judges and knockdown judges, timekeepers, and ringside physicians.

143.16 	Sec. 19. [341.323] EVENT APPROVAL.
143.17 		Subdivision 1.Preapproval documentation. Before the commissioner approves a 
143.18 	combative sports contest, the promoter shall provide the commissioner, at least six weeks 
143.19 	before the combative sport contest is scheduled to occur, information about the time, date, 
143.20 	and location of the contest and at least 72 hours before the combative sport contest is 
143.21 	scheduled to occur:
143.22 	(1) a copy of any agreement between a combatant and the promoter that  binds the 
143.23 	promoter to pay the combatant a certain fixed fee or percentage of the gate receipts;
143.24 	(2) a copy or other proof acceptable to the commissioner of the insurance contract or 
143.25 	policy required by this chapter;
143.26 	(3) proof acceptable to the commissioner that the promoter will provide, at the cost of 
143.27 	the promoter, at least one uniformed security guard or uniformed off-duty member of law 
143.28 	enforcement to provide security at any event regulated by the Department of Labor and 
143.29 	Industry. The commissioner may require a promoter to take additional security measures 
143.30 	to ensure the safety of participants and spectators at an event; and
144.1 	(4) proof acceptable to the commissioner that the promoter will provide an ambulance 
144.2 	service as required by section 341.324.
144.3 		Subd. 2.Proper licensure. Before the commissioner approves a combative sport contest, 
144.4 	the commissioner must ensure that the promoter is properly licensed under this chapter.  
144.5 	The promoter must maintain proper licensure from the time it schedules a combative sports 
144.6 	contest through the date of the contest.
144.7 		Subd. 3.Discretion. Nothing in this section limits the commissioner's discretion in 
144.8 	deciding whether to approve a combative sport contest or event.

144.9 	Sec. 20. [341.324] AMBULANCE.
144.10 	A promoter must ensure, at the cost of the promoter, that a licensed ambulance service 
144.11 	with two emergency medical technicians is on the premises during a combative sports 
144.12 	contest.

144.13 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.33, is amended to read:
144.14 	341.33 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIRED; FEES.
144.15 		Subdivision 1.Examination by physician. All combatants must be examined by a 
144.16 	physician licensed by this state within 36 hours before entering the ring, and the examining 
144.17 	physician shall immediately file with the commissioner a written report of the examination. 
144.18 	Each female combatant shall take and submit a negative pregnancy test as part of the 
144.19 	examination. The physician's examination may report on the condition of the combatant's 
144.20 	heart and general physical and general neurological condition. The physician's report may 
144.21 	record the condition of the combatant's nervous system and brain as required by the 
144.22 	commissioner. The physician may prohibit the combatant from entering the ring if, in the 
144.23 	physician's professional opinion, it is in the best interest of the combatant's health. The cost 
144.24 	of the examination is payable by the promoter conducting the contest or exhibition.
144.25 		Subd. 2.Attendance of physician. A promoter holding or sponsoring a combative sport 
144.26 	contest shall have in attendance a physician licensed by this state Minnesota. The 
144.27 	commissioner may establish a schedule of fees to be paid to each attending physician by 
144.28 	the promoter holding or sponsoring the contest.

145.1 	Sec. 22. [341.331] PROHIBITED PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUBSTANCES 
145.2 	AND TESTING.
145.3 		Subdivision 1.Performance enhancing substances and masking agents prohibited. All 
145.4 	combatants are prohibited from using the substances listed in the following classes contained 
145.5 	in the World Anti-Doping Code published by the World Anti-Doping Agency, unless a 
145.6 	combatant meets an applicable exception set forth therein:
145.7 	(1) S0, nonapproved substances;
145.8 	(2) S1, anabolic agents;
145.9 	(3) S2, peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances and mimetics;
145.10 	(4) S3, beta-2 agonists;
145.11 	(5) S4, hormone and metabolic modulators; and
145.12 	(6) S5, diuretics and masking agents.
145.13 		Subd. 2.Testing. The commissioner may administer drug testing to discover violations 
145.14 	of subdivision 1 as follows:
145.15 	(a) The commissioner may require a combatant to submit to a drug test to determine if 
145.16 	substances are present in the combatant's system in violation of subdivision 1. This testing 
145.17 	may occur at any time after the official weigh-in, on the day of the contest in which the 
145.18 	combatant is participating, or within 24 hours of competing in a combative sports contest 
145.19 	in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may require testing based 
145.20 	on reasonable cause or random selection. Grounds for reasonable cause includes observing 
145.21 	or receiving credible information that a combatant has used prohibited performance enhancing 
145.22 	drugs. If testing is based on random selection, both combatants competing in a selected bout 
145.23 	shall submit to a drug test.
145.24 	(b) Specimens may include urine, hair samples, or blood. Specimens shall be tested at 
145.25 	a facility acceptable to the commissioner. Results of all drug tests shall be submitted directly 
145.26 	to the commissioner.
145.27 	(c) The promoter shall pay the costs relating to drug testing combatants. Any requests 
145.28 	for follow-up or additional testing must be paid by the combatant.
145.29 		Subd. 3.Discipline. (a) If a combatant fails to provide a sample for drug testing when 
145.30 	required, and the request is made before a bout, the combatant shall not be allowed to 
145.31 	compete in the bout. If the request is made after a bout, and the combatant fails to provide 
146.1 	a sample for drug testing, the combatant shall be subject to disciplinary action under section 
146.2 	341.29.
146.3 	(b) If a combatant's specimen tests positive for any prohibited substances, the combatant 
146.4 	shall be subject to disciplinary action under section 341.29.
146.5 	(c) A combatant who is disciplined and was the winner of a bout shall be disqualified 
146.6 	and the decision shall be changed to no contest. The results of a bout shall remain unchanged 
146.7 	if a combatant who is disciplined was the loser of the bout.

146.8 	Sec. 23. [341.345] CHALLENGING THE OUTCOME OF A COMBATIVE SPORT 
146.9 	CONTEST.
146.10 		Subdivision 1.Challenge. (a) If a combatant disagrees with the outcome of a combative 
146.11 	sport contest regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry in which the combatant 
146.12 	participated, the combatant may challenge the outcome.
146.13 	(b) If a third party makes a challenge on behalf of a combatant, the third party must 
146.14 	provide written confirmation that they are authorized to make the challenge on behalf of 
146.15 	the combatant. The written confirmation must contain the combatant's signature and must 
146.16 	be submitted with the challenge.
146.17 		Subd. 2.Form. A challenge must be submitted on a form prescribed by the commissioner, 
146.18 	set forth all relevant facts and the basis for the challenge, and state what remedy is being 
146.19 	sought. A combatant may submit photos, videos, documents, or any other evidence the 
146.20 	combatant would like the commissioner to consider in connection to the challenge. A 
146.21 	combatant may challenge the outcome of a contest only if it is alleged that:
146.22 	(1) the referee made an incorrect call or missed a rule violation that directly affected the 
146.23 	outcome of the contest;
146.24 	(2) there was collusion amongst officials to affect the outcome of the contest; or
146.25 	(3) scores were miscalculated.
146.26 		Subd. 3.Timing. A challenge must be submitted within ten days of the contest.
146.27 	(a) For purposes of this subdivision, the day of the contest shall not count toward the 
146.28 	ten-day period. If the tenth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then a combatant 
146.29 	shall have until the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday to submit a 
146.30 	challenge.
146.31 	(b) The challenge must be submitted to the commissioner at the address, fax number, 
146.32 	or email address designated on the commissioner's website. The date on which a challenge 
147.1 	is submitted by mail shall be the postmark date on the envelope in which the challenge is 
147.2 	mailed. If the challenge is faxed or emailed, it must be received by the commissioner by 
147.3 	4:30 p.m. Central Time on the day the challenge is due.
147.4 		Subd. 4.Opponent's response. If the requirements of subdivisions 1 to 3 are met, the 
147.5 	commissioner shall send a complete copy of the challenge documents, along with any 
147.6 	supporting materials submitted, to the opposing combatant by mail, fax, or email. The 
147.7 	opposing combatant has 14 days from the date the commissioner sends the challenge and 
147.8 	supporting materials to submit a response to the commissioner. Additional response time 
147.9 	is not added when the commissioner sends the challenge to the opposing combatant by mail. 
147.10 	The opposing combatant may submit photos, videos, documents, or any other evidence the 
147.11 	opposing combatant would like the commissioner to consider in connection to the challenge. 
147.12 	The response must be submitted to the commissioner at the address, fax number, or email 
147.13 	address designated on the commissioner's website. The date on which a response is submitted 
147.14 	by mail is the postmark date on the envelope in which the response is mailed. If the response 
147.15 	is faxed or emailed, it must be received by the commissioner by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on 
147.16 	the day the response is due.
147.17 		Subd. 5.Licensed official review. The commissioner may, if the commissioner 
147.18 	determines it would be helpful in resolving the issues raised in the challenge, send a complete 
147.19 	copy of the challenge or response, along with any supporting materials submitted, to any 
147.20 	licensed official involved in the combative sport contest at issue by mail, fax, or email and 
147.21 	request the official's views on the issues raised in the challenge.
147.22 		Subd. 6.Order. The commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 60 days 
147.23 	after receiving the opposing combatant's response. If the opposing combatant does not 
147.24 	submit a response, the commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 75 days 
147.25 	after receiving the challenge.
147.26 		Subd. 7.Nonacceptance. If the requirements of subdivisions 1 through 3 are not met, 
147.27 	the commissioner must not accept the challenge and may send correspondence to the person 
147.28 	who submitted the challenge stating the reasons for nonacceptance of the challenge. A 
147.29 	combatant has no further appeal rights if the combatant's challenge is not accepted by the 
147.30 	commissioner.
147.31 		Subd. 8.Administrative hearing. After the commissioner issues an order under 
147.32 	subdivision 6, each combatant under section 326B.082, subdivision 8, has 30 days after 
147.33 	service of the order to submit a request for hearing before an administrative law judge.

148.1 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.355, is amended to read:
148.2 	341.355 CIVIL PENALTIES.
148.3 	When the commissioner finds that a person has violated one or more provisions of any 
148.4 	statute, rule, or order that the commissioner is empowered to regulate, enforce, or issue, the 
148.5 	commissioner may impose, for each violation, a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each 
148.6 	violation, or a civil penalty that deprives the person of any economic advantage gained by 
148.7 	the violation, or both. The commissioner may also impose these penalties against a person 
148.8 	who has violated section 341.28, subdivision 5, paragraph (b) or (c).

148.9 	ARTICLE 11
148.10 	MISCELLANEOUS

148.11 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 175.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
148.12 		Subdivision 1.Established. The Department of Labor and Industry shall consist of the 
148.13 	following divisions: Division of Workers' Compensation, Division of Construction Codes 
148.14 	and Licensing, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Statistics, Division 
148.15 	of Labor Standards, and Division of Apprenticeship, and such other divisions as the 
148.16 	commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry may deem necessary and establish. 
148.17 	Each division of the department and persons in charge thereof shall be subject to the 
148.18 	supervision of the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry and, in addition 
148.19 	to such duties as are or may be imposed on them by statute, shall perform such other duties 
148.20 	as may be assigned to them by the commissioner. Notwithstanding any other law to the 
148.21 	contrary, the commissioner is the administrator and supervisor of all of the department's 
148.22 	dispute resolution functions and personnel and may delegate authority to compensation 
148.23 	judges and others to make determinations under sections 176.106, 176.238, and 176.239
148.24 	and to approve settlement of claims under section 176.521.

148.25 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.26, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
148.26 		Subdivision 1.Creation. The Division of Labor Standards and Apprenticeship in the 
148.27 	Department of Labor and Industry is supervised and controlled by the commissioner of 
148.28 	labor and industry.

148.29 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.26, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
148.30 		Subd. 2.Powers and duties. The Division of Labor Standards and Apprenticeship shall 
148.31 	administer this chapter and chapters 178, 181, 181A, and 184.

149.1 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 178.01, is amended to read:
149.2 	178.01 PURPOSES.
149.3 	The purposes of this chapter are: to open to all people regardless of race, sex, creed, 
149.4 	color or national origin, the opportunity to obtain training and on-the-job learning that will 
149.5 	equip them for profitable employment and citizenship; to establish as a means to this end, 
149.6 	a program of voluntary apprenticeship under approved apprenticeship agreements providing 
149.7 	facilities for their training and guidance in the arts, skills, and crafts of industry and trade 
149.8 	or occupation, with concurrent, supplementary instruction in related subjects; to promote 
149.9 	apprenticeship opportunities under conditions providing adequate training and on-the-job 
149.10 	learning and reasonable earnings; to relate the supply of skilled workers to employment 
149.11 	demands; to establish standards for apprentice training; to establish an Apprenticeship Board 
149.12 	and apprenticeship committees to assist in effectuating the purposes of this chapter; to 
149.13 	provide for a Division of Labor Standards and Apprenticeship within the Department of 
149.14 	Labor and Industry; to provide for reports to the legislature regarding the status of apprentice 
149.15 	training in the state; to establish a procedure for the determination of apprenticeship 
149.16 	agreement controversies; and to accomplish related ends.

149.17 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 178.011, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
149.18 		Subd. 7.Division. "Division" means the department's Labor Standards and Apprenticeship 
149.19 	Division, established under sections 175.16 and 178.03, and the State Apprenticeship Agency 
149.20 	as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, part 29, section 29.2.

149.21 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 178.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
149.22 		Subdivision 1.Establishment of division. There is established a Division of Labor 
149.23 	Standards and Apprenticeship in the Department of Labor and Industry. This division shall 
149.24 	be administered by a director, and be under the supervision of the commissioner.

149.25 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 178.11, is amended to read:
149.26 	178.11 LABOR EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM.
149.27 	The commissioner shall establish the labor education advancement grant program for 
149.28 	the purpose of facilitating the participation or retention of minorities people of color, 
149.29 	Indigenous people, and women in apprenticeable trades and occupations registered 
149.30 	apprenticeship programs. The commissioner shall award grants to community-based and 
149.31 	nonprofit organizations and Minnesota Tribal governments as defined in section 10.65, 
149.32 	serving the targeted populations on a competitive request-for-proposal basis. Interested 
150.1 	organizations shall apply for the grants in a form prescribed by the commissioner. As part 
150.2 	of the application process, applicants must provide a statement of need for the grant, a 
150.3 	description of the targeted population and apprenticeship opportunities, a description of 
150.4 	activities to be funded by the grant, evidence supporting the ability to deliver services, 
150.5 	information related to coordinating grant activities with other employment and learning 
150.6 	programs, identification of matching funds, a budget, and performance objectives. Each 
150.7 	submitted application shall be evaluated for completeness and effectiveness of the proposed 
150.8 	grant activity.

150.9 	Sec. 8. [181.536] POSTING OF VETERANS' BENEFITS AND SERVICES.
150.10 		Subdivision 1.Poster creation; content. (a) The commissioner shall consult with the 
150.11 	commissioner of veterans affairs to create and distribute a veterans' benefits and services 
150.12 	poster.
150.13 	(b) The poster must, at a minimum, include information regarding the following benefits 
150.14 	and services available to veterans:
150.15 	(1) contact and website information for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the 
150.16 	department's veterans' services program;
150.17 	(2) substance use disorder and mental health treatment;
150.18 	(3) educational, workforce, and training resources;
150.19 	(4) tax benefits;
150.20 	(5) Minnesota state veteran drivers' licenses and state identification cards;
150.21 	(6) eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits under state and federal law;
150.22 	(7) legal services; and
150.23 	(8) contact information for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Crisis 
150.24 	Line.
150.25 	(c) The commissioner must annually review the poster's content and update the poster 
150.26 	to include the most current information available.
150.27 		Subd. 2.Mandatory posting. Every employer in the state with more than 50 full-time 
150.28 	equivalent employees shall display the poster created pursuant to this section in a conspicuous 
150.29 	place accessible to employees in the workplace.

151.1 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.9435, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
151.2 		Subdivision 1.Investigation. The Division of Labor Standards and Apprenticeship shall 
151.3 	receive complaints of employees against employers relating to sections 181.172, paragraph 
151.4 	(a) or (d), and 181.939 to 181.9436 and investigate informally whether an employer may 
151.5 	be in violation of sections 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d), and 181.939 to 181.9436. The 
151.6 	division shall attempt to resolve employee complaints by informing employees and employers 
151.7 	of the provisions of the law and directing employers to comply with the law. For complaints 
151.8 	related to section 181.939, the division must contact the employer within two business days 
151.9 	and investigate the complaint within ten days of receipt of the complaint.

151.10 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.9436, is amended to read:
151.11 	181.9436 POSTING OF LAW.
151.12 	The Division of Labor Standards and Apprenticeship shall develop, with the assistance 
151.13 	of interested business and community organizations, an educational poster stating employees' 
151.14 	rights under sections 181.940 to 181.9436. The department shall make the poster available, 
151.15 	upon request, to employers for posting on the employer's premises.

151.16 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
151.17 		Subdivision 1.Willful or repeated violations. Any employer who willfully or repeatedly 
151.18 	violates the requirements of section 182.653, or any standard, rule, or order adopted under 
151.19 	the authority of the commissioner as provided in this chapter, may be assessed a fine not to 
151.20 	exceed $70,000 $156,259 for each violation. The minimum fine for a willful violation is 
151.21 	$5,000 $11,162.

151.22 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
151.23 		Subd. 2.Serious violations. Any employer who has received a citation for a serious 
151.24 	violation of its duties under section 182.653, or any standard, rule, or order adopted under 
151.25 	the authority of the commissioner as provided in this chapter, shall be assessed a fine not 
151.26 	to exceed $7,000 $15,625 for each violation. If a serious violation under section 182.653, 
151.27 	subdivision 2, causes or contributes to the death of an employee, the employer shall be 
151.28 	assessed a fine of up to $25,000 for each violation.

151.29 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
151.30 		Subd. 3.Nonserious violations. Any employer who has received a citation for a violation 
151.31 	of its duties under section 182.653, subdivisions 2 to 4, where the violation is specifically 
152.1 	determined not to be of a serious nature as provided in section 182.651, subdivision 12, 
152.2 	may be assessed a fine of up to $7,000 $15,625 for each violation.

152.3 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
152.4 		Subd. 4.Failure to correct a violation. Any employer who fails to correct a violation 
152.5 	for which a citation has been issued under section 182.66 within the period permitted for 
152.6 	its correction, which period shall not begin to run until the date of the final order of the 
152.7 	commissioner in the case of any review proceedings under this chapter initiated by the 
152.8 	employer in good faith and not solely for delay or avoidance of penalties, may be assessed 
152.9 	a fine of not more than $7,000 $15,625 for each day during which the failure or violation 
152.10 	continues.

152.11 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
152.12 		Subd. 5.Posting violations. Any employer who violates any of the posting requirements, 
152.13 	as prescribed under this chapter, except those prescribed under section 182.661, subdivision 
152.14 	3a, shall be assessed a fine of up to $7,000 $15,625 for each violation.

152.15 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, is amended by adding a subdivision 
152.16 	to read:
152.17 		Subd. 6a.Increases for inflation. (a) Each year, beginning in 2023, the commissioner 
152.18 	shall determine the percentage change in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI, 
152.19 	Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) from the month of October in the 
152.20 	preceding calendar year to the month of October in the current calendar year.
152.21 	(b) The commissioner shall increase the fines in subdivisions 1 to 5, except for the fine 
152.22 	for a serious violation under section 182.653, subdivision 2, that causes or contributes to 
152.23 	the death of an employee, by the percentage change determined by the commissioner under 
152.24 	paragraph (a), if the percentage change is greater than zero. The fines shall be increased to 
152.25 	the nearest one dollar.
152.26 	(c) If the percentage change determined by the commissioner under paragraph (a) is not 
152.27 	greater than zero, the commissioner shall not change any of the fines in subdivisions 1 to 
152.28 	5.
152.29 	(d) A fine increased under this subdivision takes effect on the next January 15 after the 
152.30 	commissioner determines the percentage change under paragraph (a) and applies to all fines 
152.31 	assessed on or after the next January 15.
153.1 	(e) No later than December 1 of each year, the commissioner shall give notice in the 
153.2 	State Register of any increase to the fines in subdivisions 1 to 5.

153.3 	Sec. 17. [182.677] ERGONOMICS.
153.4 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the definitions in this 
153.5 	subdivision apply unless otherwise specified.
153.6 	(b) "Health care facility" means a hospital with a North American Industrial Classification 
153.7 	system code of 622110, 622210, or 622310; an outpatient surgical center with a North 
153.8 	American Industrial Classification system code of 621493; and a nursing home with a North 
153.9 	American Industrial Classification system code of 623110.
153.10 	(c) "Warehouse distribution center" means an employer with 100 or more employees in 
153.11 	Minnesota and a North American Industrial Classification system code of 493110, 423110 
153.12 	to 423990, 424110 to 424990, 454110, or 492110.
153.13 	(d) "Meatpacking site" means a meatpacking or poultry processing site with 100 or more 
153.14 	employees in Minnesota and a North American Industrial Classification system code of 
153.15 	311611 to 311615, except 311613.
153.16 	(e) "Musculoskeletal disorder" or "MSD" means a disorder of the muscles, nerves, 
153.17 	tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, blood vessels, or spinal discs.
153.18 		Subd. 2.Ergonomics program required. (a) Every licensed health care facility, 
153.19 	warehouse distribution center, or meatpacking site in the state shall create and implement 
153.20 	an effective written ergonomics program establishing the employer's plan to minimize the 
153.21 	risk of its employees developing or aggravating musculoskeletal disorders by utilizing an 
153.22 	ergonomics process. The ergonomics program shall focus on eliminating the risk. To the 
153.23 	extent risk exists, the ergonomics program must include feasible administrative or engineering 
153.24 	controls to reduce the risk.
153.25 	(b) The program shall include:
153.26 	(1) an assessment of hazards with regard to prevention of musculoskeletal disorders;
153.27 	(2) an initial and ongoing training of employees on ergonomics and its benefits, including 
153.28 	the importance of reporting early symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders;
153.29 	(3) a procedure to ensure early reporting of musculoskeletal disorders to prevent or 
153.30 	reduce the progression of symptoms, the development of serious injuries, and lost-time 
153.31 	claims;
154.1 	(4) a process for employees to provide possible solutions that may be implemented to 
154.2 	reduce, control, or eliminate workplace musculoskeletal disorders;
154.3 	(5) procedures to ensure that physical plant modifications and major construction projects 
154.4 	are consistent with program goals; and
154.5 	(6) annual evaluations of the ergonomics program and whenever a change to the work 
154.6 	process occurs.
154.7 		Subd. 3.Annual evaluation of program required. There must be an established 
154.8 	procedure to annually assess the effectiveness of the ergonomics program, including 
154.9 	evaluation of corrective actions taken in response to reporting of symptoms by employees.  
154.10 	The annual assessment shall determine the success of the implemented ergonomic solutions 
154.11 	and whether goals set by the ergonomics program have been met.
154.12 		Subd. 4.Employee training. (a) An employer subject to this section must train all new 
154.13 	and existing employees on the following:
154.14 	(1) the name of each individual on the employer's safety committee;
154.15 	(2) the facility's hazard prevention and control plan;
154.16 	(3) the early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries and the procedures for 
154.17 	reporting them;
154.18 	(4) the procedures for reporting injuries and other hazards;
154.19 	(5) any administrative or engineering controls related to ergonomic hazards that are in 
154.20 	place or will be implemented at the facility;
154.21 	(6) how to use personal protective equipment, whether it is available, and where it is 
154.22 	located; and
154.23 	(7) the requirements of subdivision 9.
154.24 	(b) New and current employees must be trained according to paragraph (a) prior to 
154.25 	starting work. The employer must provide the training during working hours and compensate 
154.26 	the employee for attending the training at the employee's standard rate of pay. All training 
154.27 	must be in a language and with vocabulary that the employee can understand.
154.28 	(c) Updates to the information conveyed in the training shall be communicated to 
154.29 	employees as soon as practicable.
154.30 		Subd. 5.Involvement of employees. Employers subject to this section must solicit 
154.31 	feedback for its ergonomics program through its safety committee required by section 
155.1 	182.676, in addition to any other opportunities for employee participation the employer 
155.2 	may provide. The safety committee must be directly involved in ergonomics worksite 
155.3 	assessments and participate in the annual evaluation required by subdivision 3.
155.4 		Subd. 6.Workplace program or AWAIR. An employer subject to this section must 
155.5 	reference its ergonomics program in a written Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction 
155.6 	(AWAIR) program required by section 182.653, subdivision 8.
155.7 		Subd. 7.Recordkeeping. An employer subject to this section must maintain:
155.8 	(1) a written certification dated and signed by each person who provides training and 
155.9 	each employee who receives training pursuant to this section. The certification completed 
155.10 	by the training providers must state that the employer has provided training consistent with 
155.11 	the requirements of this section;
155.12 	(2) a record of all worker visits to on-site medical or first aid personnel for the last five 
155.13 	years, regardless of severity or type of illness or injury; and
155.14 	(3) a record of all ergonomic injuries suffered by employees for the last five years.
155.15 		Subd. 8.Availability of records. (a) The employer must ensure that the certification 
155.16 	records required by subdivision 7, clause (1), are up to date and available to the 
155.17 	commissioner, employees, and authorized employee representatives, if any, upon request.
155.18 	(b) Upon the request of the commissioner, an employee, or an authorized employee 
155.19 	representative, the employer must provide the requestor a redacted version of the medical 
155.20 	or first aid records and records of all ergonomic injuries. The name, contact information, 
155.21 	and occupation of an employee, and any other information that would reveal the identity 
155.22 	of an employee, must be removed in the redacted version. The redacted version must only 
155.23 	include, to the extent it would not reveal identity of an employee, the location where the 
155.24 	employee worked, the date of the injury or visit, a description of the medical treatment or 
155.25 	first aid provided, and a description of the injury suffered.
155.26 	(c) The employer must also make available to the commissioner the unredacted medical 
155.27 	or first aid records and unredacted records of ergonomic injuries required by subdivision 
155.28 	7, clause (2), upon request.
155.29 		Subd. 9.Reporting encouraged. Any employer subject to this section must not institute 
155.30 	or maintain any program, policy, or practice that discourages employees from reporting 
155.31 	injuries, hazards, or safety and health standard violations, including ergonomic-related 
155.32 	hazards and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.
156.1 		Subd. 10.Training materials. The commissioner shall make training materials on 
156.2 	implementation of this section available to all employers, upon request, at no cost as part 
156.3 	of the duties of the commissioner under section 182.673.
156.4 		Subd. 11.Enforcement. This section shall be enforced by the commissioner under 
156.5 	sections 182.66 and 182.661. A violation of this section is subject to the penalties provided 
156.6 	under section 182.666.
156.7 		Subd. 12.Grant program. (a) The commissioner shall establish an ergonomics grant 
156.8 	program to provide matching funding for employers who are subject to this section to make 
156.9 	ergonomic improvements recommended by an on-site safety survey. Minnesota Rules, 
156.10 	chapter 5203, applies to the administration of the grant program.
156.11 	(b) To be eligible for a grant under this section, an employer must:
156.12 	(1) be a licensed health care facility, warehouse distribution center, or meatpacking site 
156.13 	as defined by subdivision 1;
156.14 	(2) have current workers' compensation insurance provided through the assigned risk 
156.15 	plan, provided by an insurer subject to penalties under chapter 176, or as an approved 
156.16 	self-insured employer; and
156.17 	(3) have an on-site safety survey with results that recommend specific equipment or 
156.18 	practices that will reduce the risk of injury or illness to employees and prevent 
156.19 	musculoskeletal disorders. This survey must have been conducted by a Minnesota 
156.20 	occupational safety and health compliance investigator or workplace safety consultant, an 
156.21 	in-house safety and health committee, a workers' compensation insurance underwriter, a 
156.22 	private consultant, or a person under contract with the assigned risk plan.
156.23 	(c) Grant funds may be used for all or part of the cost of the following:
156.24 	(1) purchasing and installing recommended equipment intended to prevent 
156.25 	musculoskeletal disorders;
156.26 	(2) operating or maintaining recommended equipment intended to prevent musculoskeletal 
156.27 	disorders;
156.28 	(3) property, if the property is necessary to meet the recommendations of the on-site 
156.29 	safety survey that are related to prevention of musculoskeletal disorders;
156.30 	(4) training required to operate recommended safety equipment to prevent musculoskeletal 
156.31 	disorders; and
157.1 	(5) tuition reimbursement for educational costs related to identifying ergonomic-related 
157.2 	issues that are related to the recommendations of the on-site safety survey.
157.3 	(d) The commissioner shall evaluate applications, submitted on forms developed by the 
157.4 	commissioner, based on whether the proposed project:
157.5 	(1) is technically and economically feasible;
157.6 	(2) is consistent with the recommendations of the on-site safety survey and the objective 
157.7 	of reducing risk of injury or illness to employees and preventing musculoskeletal disorders;
157.8 	(3) was submitted by an applicant with sufficient experience, knowledge, and commitment 
157.9 	for the project to be implemented in a timely manner;
157.10 	(4) has the necessary financial commitments to cover all project costs;
157.11 	(5) has the support of all public entities necessary for its completion; and
157.12 	(6) complies with federal, state, and local regulations.
157.13 	(e) Grants under this section shall provide a match of up to $10,000 for private funds 
157.14 	committed by the employer to implement the recommended ergonomics-related equipment 
157.15 	or practices.
157.16 	(f) Grants will be awarded to all applicants that meet the eligibility and evaluation criteria 
157.17 	under paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) until funding is depleted. If there are more eligible requests 
157.18 	than funding, awards will be prorated.
157.19 	(g) Grant recipients are not eligible to apply for another grant under chapter 176 until 
157.20 	two years after the date of the award.
157.21 		Subd. 13.Standard development. The commissioner may propose an ergonomics 
157.22 	standard using the authority provided in section 182.655.

157.23 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective November 1, 2023, except subdivisions 
157.24 	9 and 12 are effective July 1, 2023.

157.25 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.092, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
157.26 		Subd. 6.Fees nonrefundable. Application and examination fees, license fees, license 
157.27 	renewal fees, and late fees are nonrefundable except for:
157.28 	(1) license renewal fees received more than two years after expiration of the license, as 
157.29 	described in section 326B.094, subdivision 2;
157.30 	(2) any overpayment of fees; and
158.1 	(3) if the license is not issued or renewed, the contractor recovery fund fee and any 
158.2 	additional assessment paid under subdivision 7, paragraph (e).

158.3 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.096, is amended to read:
158.4 	326B.096 REINSTATEMENT OF LICENSES.
158.5 		Subdivision 1.Reinstatement after revocation. (a) If a license is revoked under this 
158.6 	chapter and if an applicant for a license needs to pass an examination administered by the 
158.7 	commissioner before becoming licensed, then, in order to have the license reinstated, the 
158.8 	person who holds the revoked license must:
158.9 	(1) retake the examination and achieve a passing score; and
158.10 	(2) meet all other requirements for an initial license, including payment of the application 
158.11 	and examination fee and the license fee. The person holding the revoked license is not 
158.12 	eligible for Minnesota licensure without examination based on reciprocity.
158.13 	(b) If a license is revoked under a chapter other than this chapter, then, in order to have 
158.14 	the license reinstated, the person who holds the revoked license must:
158.15 	(1) apply for reinstatement to the commissioner no later than two years after the effective 
158.16 	date of the revocation;
158.17 	(2) pay a $100 $50 reinstatement application fee and any applicable renewal license fee; 
158.18 	and
158.19 	(3) meet all applicable requirements for licensure, except that, unless required by the 
158.20 	order revoking the license, the applicant does not need to retake any examination and does 
158.21 	not need to repay a license fee that was paid before the revocation.
158.22 		Subd. 2.Reinstatement after suspension. If a license is suspended, then, in order to 
158.23 	have the license reinstated, the person who holds the suspended license must:
158.24 	(1) apply for reinstatement to the commissioner no later than two years after the 
158.25 	completion of the suspension period;
158.26 	(2) pay a $100 $50 reinstatement application fee and any applicable renewal license fee; 
158.27 	and
158.28 	(3) meet all applicable requirements for licensure, except that, unless required by the 
158.29 	order suspending the license, the applicant does not need to retake any examination and 
158.30 	does not need to repay a license fee that was paid before the suspension.
159.1 		Subd. 3.Reinstatement after voluntary termination. A licensee who is not an individual 
159.2 	may voluntarily terminate a license issued to the person under this chapter. If a licensee has 
159.3 	voluntarily terminated a license under this subdivision, then, in order to have the license 
159.4 	reinstated, the person who holds the terminated license must:
159.5 	(1) apply for reinstatement to the commissioner no later than the date that the license 
159.6 	would have expired if it had not been terminated;
159.7 	(2) pay a $100 $25 reinstatement application fee and any applicable renewal license fee; 
159.8 	and
159.9 	(3) meet all applicable requirements for licensure, except that the applicant does not 
159.10 	need to repay a license fee that was paid before the termination.

159.11 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, is amended by adding a subdivision 
159.12 	to read:
159.13 		Subd. 6a.Electric vehicle capable space. "Electric vehicle capable space" means a 
159.14 	designated automobile parking space that has electrical infrastructure, including but not 
159.15 	limited to raceways, cables, electrical capacity, and panelboard or other electrical distribution 
159.16 	space necessary for the future installation of an electric vehicle charging station.

159.17 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, is amended by adding a subdivision 
159.18 	to read:
159.19 		Subd. 6b.Electric vehicle charging station. "Electric vehicle charging station" means 
159.20 	a designated automobile parking space that has a dedicated connection for charging an 
159.21 	electric vehicle.

159.22 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, is amended by adding a subdivision 
159.23 	to read:
159.24 		Subd. 6c.Electric vehicle ready space. "Electric vehicle ready space" means a designated 
159.25 	automobile parking space that has a branch circuit capable of supporting the installation of 
159.26 	an electric vehicle charging station.

159.27 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, is amended by adding a subdivision 
159.28 	to read:
159.29 		Subd. 10a.Parking facilities. "Parking facilities" includes parking lots, garages, ramps, 
159.30 	or decks.

160.1 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, subdivision 13, is amended to read:
160.2 		Subd. 13.State licensed facility. "State licensed facility" means a building and its 
160.3 	grounds that are licensed by the state as a hospital, nursing home, supervised living facility, 
160.4 	assisted living facility, including assisted living facility with dementia care, free-standing 
160.5 	outpatient surgical center, correctional facility, boarding care home, or residential hospice.

160.6 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.106, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
160.7 		Subdivision 1.Adoption of code. (a) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d) and sections 
160.8 	326B.101 to 326B.194, the commissioner shall by rule and in consultation with the 
160.9 	Construction Codes Advisory Council establish a code of standards for the construction, 
160.10 	reconstruction, alteration, and repair of buildings, governing matters of structural materials, 
160.11 	design and construction, fire protection, health, sanitation, and safety, including design and 
160.12 	construction standards regarding heat loss control, illumination, and climate control. The 
160.13 	code must also include duties and responsibilities for code administration, including 
160.14 	procedures for administrative action, penalties, and suspension and revocation of certification. 
160.15 	The code must conform insofar as practicable to model building codes generally accepted 
160.16 	and in use throughout the United States, including a code for building conservation. In the 
160.17 	preparation of the code, consideration must be given to the existing statewide specialty 
160.18 	codes presently in use in the state. Model codes with necessary modifications and statewide 
160.19 	specialty codes may be adopted by reference. The code must be based on the application 
160.20 	of scientific principles, approved tests, and professional judgment. To the extent possible, 
160.21 	the code must be adopted in terms of desired results instead of the means of achieving those 
160.22 	results, avoiding wherever possible the incorporation of specifications of particular methods 
160.23 	or materials. To that end the code must encourage the use of new methods and new materials. 
160.24 	Except as otherwise provided in sections 326B.101 to 326B.194, the commissioner shall 
160.25 	administer and enforce the provisions of those sections.
160.26 	(b) The commissioner shall develop rules addressing the plan review fee assessed to 
160.27 	similar buildings without significant modifications including provisions for use of building 
160.28 	systems as specified in the industrial/modular program specified in section 326B.194. 
160.29 	Additional plan review fees associated with similar plans must be based on costs 
160.30 	commensurate with the direct and indirect costs of the service.
160.31 	(c) Beginning with the 2018 edition of the model building codes and every six years 
160.32 	thereafter, the commissioner shall review the new model building codes and adopt the model 
160.33 	codes as amended for use in Minnesota, within two years of the published edition date. The 
160.34 	commissioner may adopt amendments to the building codes prior to the adoption of the 
161.1 	new building codes to advance construction methods, technology, or materials, or, where 
161.2 	necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, or to improve the efficiency 
161.3 	or the use of a building.
161.4 	(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), the commissioner shall act on each new model 
161.5 	residential energy code and the new model commercial energy code in accordance with 
161.6 	federal law for which the United States Department of Energy has issued an affirmative 
161.7 	determination in compliance with United States Code, title 42, section 6833. The 
161.8 	commissioner shall consider amendments to the model energy codes that mitigate the impact 
161.9 	of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing and optimizing energy 
161.10 	efficiency and improving resiliency of new buildings and existing buildings undergoing 
161.11 	additions, alterations, and changes of use. The commissioner may adopt amendments prior 
161.12 	to adoption of the new energy codes, as amended for use in Minnesota, to advance 
161.13 	construction methods, technology, or materials, or, where necessary to protect the health, 
161.14 	safety, and welfare of the public, or to improve the efficiency or use of a building.
161.15 	(e) Beginning in 2024, the commissioner shall act on the new model commercial energy 
161.16 	code by adopting each new published edition of ASHRAE 90.1 or a more efficient standard. 
161.17 	The commercial energy code in effect in 2036 and thereafter must achieve an 80 percent 
161.18 	reduction in annual net energy consumption or greater, using the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 as a 
161.19 	baseline. The commissioner shall adopt commercial energy codes from 2024 to 2036 that 
161.20 	incrementally move toward achieving the 80 percent reduction in annual net energy 
161.21 	consumption. By January 15 of the year following each new code adoption, the commissioner 
161.22 	shall make a report on progress under this section to the legislative committees with 
161.23 	jurisdiction over the energy code.
161.24 	(f) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to limit the ability of a public utility to 
161.25 	offer code support programs, or to claim energy savings resulting from such programs, 
161.26 	through its energy conservation and optimization plans approved by the commissioner of 
161.27 	commerce under section 216B.241.

161.28 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.106, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
161.29 		Subd. 4.Special requirements. (a) Space for commuter vans. The code must require 
161.30 	that any parking ramp or other parking facility constructed in accordance with the code 
161.31 	include an appropriate number of spaces suitable for the parking of motor vehicles having 
161.32 	a capacity of seven to 16 persons and which are principally used to provide prearranged 
161.33 	commuter transportation of employees to or from their place of employment or to or from 
161.34 	a transit stop authorized by a local transit authority.
162.1 	(b) Smoke detection devices. The code must require that all dwellings, lodging houses, 
162.2 	apartment houses, and hotels as defined in section 299F.362 comply with the provisions of 
162.3 	section 299F.362.
162.4 	(c) Doors in nursing homes and hospitals. The State Building Code may not require 
162.5 	that each door entering a sleeping or patient's room from a corridor in a nursing home or 
162.6 	hospital with an approved complete standard automatic fire extinguishing system be 
162.7 	constructed or maintained as self-closing or automatically closing.
162.8 	(d) Child care facilities in churches; ground level exit. A licensed day care center 
162.9 	serving fewer than 30 preschool age persons and which is located in a belowground space 
162.10 	in a church building is exempt from the State Building Code requirement for a ground level 
162.11 	exit when the center has more than two stairways to the ground level and its exit.
162.12 	(e) Family and group family day care. Until the legislature enacts legislation specifying 
162.13 	appropriate standards, the definition of dwellings constructed in accordance with the 
162.14 	International Residential Code as adopted as part of the State Building Code applies to 
162.15 	family and group family day care homes licensed by the Department of Human Services 
162.16 	under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9502.
162.17 	(f) Enclosed stairways. No provision of the code or any appendix chapter of the code 
162.18 	may require stairways of existing multiple dwelling buildings of two stories or less to be 
162.19 	enclosed.
162.20 	(g) Double cylinder dead bolt locks. No provision of the code or appendix chapter of 
162.21 	the code may prohibit double cylinder dead bolt locks in existing single-family homes, 
162.22 	townhouses, and first floor duplexes used exclusively as a residential dwelling. Any 
162.23 	recommendation or promotion of double cylinder dead bolt locks must include a warning 
162.24 	about their potential fire danger and procedures to minimize the danger.
162.25 	(h) Relocated residential buildings. A residential building relocated within or into a 
162.26 	political subdivision of the state need not comply with the State Energy Code or section 
162.27 	326B.439 provided that, where available, an energy audit is conducted on the relocated 
162.28 	building.
162.29 	(i) Automatic garage door opening systems. The code must require all residential 
162.30 	buildings as defined in section 325F.82 to comply with the provisions of sections 325F.82 
162.31 	and 325F.83.
162.32 	(j) Exterior wood decks, patios, and balconies. The code must permit the decking 
162.33 	surface and upper portions of exterior wood decks, patios, and balconies to be constructed 
163.1 	of (1) heartwood from species of wood having natural resistance to decay or termites, 
163.2 	including redwood and cedars, (2) grades of lumber which contain sapwood from species 
163.3 	of wood having natural resistance to decay or termites, including redwood and cedars, or 
163.4 	(3) treated wood. The species and grades of wood products used to construct the decking 
163.5 	surface and upper portions of exterior decks, patios, and balconies must be made available 
163.6 	to the building official on request before final construction approval.
163.7 	(k) Bioprocess piping and equipment. No permit fee for bioprocess piping may be 
163.8 	imposed by municipalities under the State Building Code, except as required under section 
163.9 	326B.92 subdivision 1. Permits for bioprocess piping shall be according to section 326B.92 
163.10 	administered by the Department of Labor and Industry. All data regarding the material 
163.11 	production processes, including the bioprocess system's structural design and layout, are 
163.12 	nonpublic data as provided by section 13.7911.
163.13 	(l) Use of ungraded lumber. The code must allow the use of ungraded lumber in 
163.14 	geographic areas of the state where the code did not generally apply as of April 1, 2008, to 
163.15 	the same extent that ungraded lumber could be used in that area before April 1, 2008.
163.16 	(m) Window cleaning safety.The code must require the installation of dedicated 
163.17 	anchorages for the purpose of suspended window cleaning on (1) new buildings four stories 
163.18 	or greater; and (2) buildings four stories or greater, only on those areas undergoing 
163.19 	reconstruction, alteration, or repair that includes the exposure of primary structural 
163.20 	components of the roof. The commissioner shall adopt rules, using the expedited rulemaking 
163.21 	process in section 14.389, requiring window cleaning safety features that comply with a 
163.22 	nationally recognized standard as part of the State Building Code. Window cleaning safety 
163.23 	features shall be provided for all windows on:
163.24 	(1) new buildings where determined by the code; and
163.25 	(2) existing buildings undergoing alterations where both of the following conditions are 
163.26 	met:
163.27 	(i) the windows do not currently have safe window cleaning features; and
163.28 	(ii) the proposed work area being altered can include provisions for safe window cleaning.
163.29 	The commissioner may waive all or a portion of the requirements of this paragraph 
163.30 	related to reconstruction, alteration, or repair, if the installation of dedicated anchorages 
163.31 	would not result in significant safety improvements due to limits on the size of the project, 
163.32 	or other factors as determined by the commissioner.
164.1 	(n) Adult-size changing facilities. The commissioner shall adopt rules requiring 
164.2 	adult-size changing facilities as part of the State Building Code.

164.3 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

164.4 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.106, is amended by adding a subdivision 
164.5 	to read:
164.6 		Subd. 16.Electric vehicle charging. The code shall require a minimum number of 
164.7 	electric vehicle ready spaces, electric vehicle capable spaces, and electric vehicle charging 
164.8 	stations either within or adjacent to new commercial and multifamily structures that provide 
164.9 	on-site parking facilities. Residential structures with fewer than four dwelling units are 
164.10 	exempt from this subdivision.

164.11 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.802, subdivision 15, is amended to read:
164.12 		Subd. 15.Special skill. "Special skill" means one of the following eight categories:
164.13 	(a) Excavation. Excavation includes work in any of the following areas:
164.14 	(1) excavation;
164.15 	(2) trenching;
164.16 	(3) grading; and
164.17 	(4) site grading.
164.18 	(b) Masonry and concrete. Masonry and concrete includes work in any of the following 
164.19 	areas:
164.20 	(1) drain systems;
164.21 	(2) poured walls;
164.22 	(3) slabs and poured-in-place footings;
164.23 	(4) masonry walls;
164.24 	(5) masonry fireplaces;
164.25 	(6) masonry veneer; and
164.26 	(7) water resistance and waterproofing.
164.27 	(c) Carpentry. Carpentry includes work in any of the following areas:
164.28 	(1) rough framing;
165.1 	(2) finish carpentry;
165.2 	(3) doors, windows, and skylights;
165.3 	(4) porches and decks, excluding footings;
165.4 	(5) wood foundations; and
165.5 	(6) drywall installation, excluding taping and finishing.
165.6 	(d) Interior finishing. Interior finishing includes work in any of the following areas:
165.7 	(1) floor covering;
165.8 	(2) wood floors;
165.9 	(3) cabinet and counter top installation;
165.10 	(4) insulation and vapor barriers;
165.11 	(5) interior or exterior painting;
165.12 	(6) ceramic, marble, and quarry tile;
165.13 	(7) ornamental guardrail and installation of prefabricated stairs; and
165.14 	(8) wallpapering.
165.15 	(e) Exterior finishing. Exterior finishing includes work in any of the following areas:
165.16 	(1) siding;
165.17 	(2) soffit, fascia, and trim;
165.18 	(3) exterior plaster and stucco;
165.19 	(4) painting; and
165.20 	(5) rain carrying systems, including gutters and down spouts.
165.21 	(f) Drywall and plaster. Drywall and plaster includes work in any of the following 
165.22 	areas:
165.23 	(1) installation;
165.24 	(2) taping;
165.25 	(3) finishing;
165.26 	(4) interior plaster;
165.27 	(5) painting; and
166.1 	(6) wallpapering.
166.2 	(g) Residential roofing. Residential roofing includes work in any of the following areas:
166.3 	(1) roof coverings;
166.4 	(2) roof sheathing;
166.5 	(3) roof weatherproofing and insulation; and
166.6 	(4) repair of roof support system, but not construction of new roof support system.; and
166.7 	(5) penetration of roof coverings for purposes of attaching a solar photovoltaic system.
166.8 	(h) General installation specialties. Installation includes work in any of the following 
166.9 	areas:
166.10 	(1) garage doors and openers;
166.11 	(2) pools, spas, and hot tubs;
166.12 	(3) fireplaces and wood stoves;
166.13 	(4) asphalt paving and seal coating; and
166.14 	(5) ornamental guardrail and prefabricated stairs.; and
166.15 	(6) assembly of the support system for a solar photovoltaic system.

166.16 	Sec. 29. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
 166.17 	The commissioner of labor and industry shall adopt rules, using the expedited rulemaking 
166.18 	process in Minnesota Statutes, section 14.389, that set forth adult-size changing facilities 
166.19 	to conform with the addition of Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.106, subdivision 4, 
166.20 	paragraph (n), under this act.

166.21 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

166.22 	Sec. 30. REPEALER.
 166.23 	Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.26, subdivision 3, is repealed.

167.1 	ARTICLE 12
167.2 	PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD

167.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 13.43, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
167.4 		Subd. 6.Access by labor organizations, Bureau of Mediation Services, Public 
167.5 	Employment Relations Board. Personnel data may be disseminated to labor organizations 
167.6 	and the Public Employment Relations Board to the extent that the responsible authority 
167.7 	determines that the dissemination is necessary to conduct elections, notify employees of 
167.8 	fair share fee assessments, and implement the provisions of chapters 179 and 179A. Personnel 
167.9 	data shall be disseminated to labor organizations, the Public Employment Relations Board,
167.10 	and to the Bureau of Mediation Services to the extent the dissemination is ordered or 
167.11 	authorized by the commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services or the Public 
167.12 	Employment Relations Board or its employees or agents.

167.13 	Sec. 2. [13.7909] PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD DATA.
167.14 		Subdivision 1.Definition. For purposes of this section, "board" means the Public 
167.15 	Employment Relations Board.
167.16 		Subd. 2.Charge and complaint data. (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), 
167.17 	all data maintained by the board about a charge of unfair labor practices and appeals of 
167.18 	determinations of the commissioner under section 179A.12, subdivision 11, are classified 
167.19 	as protected nonpublic data or confidential data prior to being admitted into evidence at a 
167.20 	hearing conducted pursuant to section 179A.13. Data that are admitted into evidence at a 
167.21 	hearing conducted pursuant to section 179A.13 are public unless subject to a protective 
167.22 	order as determined by the board or a hearing officer.
167.23 	(b) Statements by individuals that are provided to the board are private data on 
167.24 	individuals, as defined by section 13.02, subdivision 12, prior to being admitted into evidence 
167.25 	at a hearing conducted pursuant to section 179A.13, and become public once admitted into 
167.26 	evidence.
167.27 	(c) The following data are public at all times:
167.28 	(1) the filing date of unfair labor practice charges;
167.29 	(2) the status of unfair labor practice charges as an original or amended charge;
167.30 	(3) the names and job classifications of charging parties and charged parties;
167.31 	(4) the provisions of law alleged to have been violated in unfair labor practice charges;
168.1 	(5) the complaint issued by the board; and
168.2 	(6) unless subject to a protective order:
168.3 	(i) the full and complete record of an evidentiary hearing before a hearing officer, 
168.4 	including the hearing transcript, exhibits admitted into evidence, and posthearing briefs;
168.5 	(ii) recommended decisions and orders of hearing officers pursuant to section 179A.13, 
168.6 	subdivision 1, paragraph (i);
168.7 	(iii) exceptions to the hearing officer's recommended decision and order filed with the 
168.8 	board pursuant to section 179A.13, subdivision 1, paragraph (k);
168.9 	(iv) party and nonparty briefs filed with the board; and
168.10 	(v) decisions and orders issued by the board.
168.11 	(d) The board may make any data classified as private, protected nonpublic, or 
168.12 	confidential pursuant to this subdivision accessible to any person or party if the access will 
168.13 	aid the implementation of chapters 179 and 179A or ensure due process protection of the 
168.14 	parties.

168.15 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179A.041, is amended by adding a subdivision 
168.16 	to read:
168.17 		Subd. 10.Open Meeting Law; exceptions. Chapter 13D does not apply to meetings of 
168.18 	the board when it is deliberating on the merits of unfair labor practice charges under sections 
168.19 	179.11, 179.12, and 179A.13; reviewing a recommended decision and order of a hearing 
168.20 	officer under section 179A.13; or reviewing decisions of the commissioner of the Bureau 
168.21 	of Mediation Services relating to unfair labor practices under section 179A.12, subdivision 
168.22 	11.

168.23 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

168.24 	ARTICLE 13
168.25 	MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSING

168.26 	Section 1. [179.87] TITLE.
168.27 	Sections 179.87 to 179.8757 may be titled the "Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry 
168.28 	Processing Workers Act."

169.1 	Sec. 2. [179.871] DEFINITIONS.
169.2 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. For purposes of sections 179.87 to 179.8757, the terms in 
169.3 	this section have the meanings given.
169.4 		Subd. 2.Authorized employee representative. "Authorized employee representative" 
169.5 	has the meaning given in section 182.651, subdivision 22.
169.6 		Subd. 3.Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry 
169.7 	or the commissioner's designee.
169.8 		Subd. 4.Coordinator. "Coordinator" means the meatpacking industry worker rights 
169.9 	coordinator or the coordinator's designee.
169.10 		Subd. 5.Meat-processing worker. "Meat-processing worker" or "worker" means any 
169.11 	individual who a meat-processing employer suffers or permits to work directly in contact 
169.12 	with raw meatpacking products in a meatpacking operation, including independent contractors 
169.13 	and persons performing work for an employer through a temporary service or staffing 
169.14 	agency. Workers in a meatpacking operation who inspect or package meatpacking products 
169.15 	and workers who clean, maintain, or sanitize equipment or surfaces are included in the 
169.16 	definition of a meat-processing worker.
169.17 		Subd. 6.Meatpacking operation. "Meatpacking operation" or "meat-processing 
169.18 	employer" means a meatpacking or poultry processing site with 100 or more employees in 
169.19 	Minnesota and a North American Industrial Classification system code of 311611 to 311615, 
169.20 	except 311613. Meatpacking operation or meat-processing employer does not mean a grocery 
169.21 	store, deli, restaurant, or other business preparing meatpacking products for immediate 
169.22 	consumption.
169.23 		Subd. 7.Meatpacking products. "Meatpacking products" means meat food products 
169.24 	and poultry food products as defined in section 31A.02, subdivision 10.

169.25 	Sec. 3. [179.8715] WORKER RIGHTS COORDINATOR.
169.26 	(a) The commissioner must appoint a meatpacking industry worker rights coordinator 
169.27 	in the Department of Labor and Industry and provide the coordinator with necessary office 
169.28 	space, furniture, equipment, supplies, and assistance.
169.29 	(b) The commissioner must enforce sections 179.87 to 179.8757, including inspecting, 
169.30 	reviewing, and recommending improvements to the practices and procedures of meatpacking 
169.31 	operations in Minnesota. A meat-processing employer must grant the commissioner full 
170.1 	access to all meatpacking operations in this state at any time that meatpacking products are 
170.2 	being processed or meat-processing workers are on the job.
170.3 	(c) No later than December 1 each year, beginning December 1, 2024, the coordinator 
170.4 	must submit a report to the governor and the chairs and ranking minority members of the 
170.5 	legislative committees with jurisdiction over labor. The report must include recommendations 
170.6 	to promote better treatment of meat-processing workers. The coordinator shall also post the 
170.7 	report on the Department of Labor and Industry's website.

170.8 	Sec. 4. [179.872] REFUSAL TO WORK UNDER DANGEROUS CONDITIONS.
170.9 	A meat-processing worker has the right to refuse to work under dangerous conditions 
170.10 	in accordance with section 182.654, subdivision 11. Pursuant to section 182.654, subdivision 
170.11 	11, the worker shall continue to receive pay and shall not be subject to discrimination.

170.12 	Sec. 5. [179.875] ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE.
170.13 		Subdivision 1.Administrative enforcement. The commissioner, either on the 
170.14 	commissioner's initiative or in response to a complaint, may inspect a meatpacking operation 
170.15 	and subpoena records and witnesses as provided in sections 175.20, 177.27, and 182.659. 
170.16 	If a meat-processing employer does not comply with the commissioner's inspection, the 
170.17 	commissioner may seek relief as provided in this section or chapter 175 or 182.
170.18 		Subd. 2.Compliance authority. The commissioner may issue a compliance order under 
170.19 	section 177.27, subdivision 4, requiring an employer to comply with sections 179.8755, 
170.20 	paragraphs (b) and (c); 179.8756, subdivisions 1 to 3 and 4, paragraphs (f) and (g); and 
170.21 	179.8757. The commissioner also has authority, pursuant to section 182.662, subdivision 
170.22 	1, to issue a stop-work or business-closure order when there is a condition or practice that 
170.23 	could result in death or serious physical harm.
170.24 		Subd. 3.Private civil action. If a meat-processing employer does not comply with a 
170.25 	provision in sections 179.87 to 179.8757, an aggrieved worker, authorized employee 
170.26 	representative, or other person may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction 
170.27 	within three years of an alleged violation and, upon prevailing, must be awarded the relief 
170.28 	provided in this section. Pursuing administrative relief is not a prerequisite for bringing a 
170.29 	civil action.
170.30 		Subd. 4.Other government enforcement. The attorney general may enforce sections 
170.31 	179.87 to 179.8757 under section 8.31. A city or county attorney may also enforce these 
170.32 	sections. Such law enforcement agencies may inspect meatpacking operations and subpoena 
171.1 	records and witnesses and, where such agencies determine that a violation has occurred, 
171.2 	may bring a civil action as provided in this section.
171.3 		Subd. 5.Relief. (a) In a civil action or administrative proceeding brought to enforce 
171.4 	sections 179.87 to 179.8757, the court or commissioner must order relief as provided in this 
171.5 	subdivision.
171.6 	(b) For any violation of sections 179.87 to 179.8757:
171.7 	(1) an injunction to order compliance and restrain continued violations;
171.8 	(2) payment to a prevailing worker by a meat-processing employer of reasonable costs, 
171.9 	disbursements, and attorney fees; and
171.10 	(3) a civil penalty payable to the state of not less than $100 per day per worker affected 
171.11 	by the meat-processing employer's noncompliance with sections 179.87 to 179.8757.
171.12 	(c) Any worker who brings a complaint under sections 179.87 to 179.8757 and suffers 
171.13 	retaliation is entitled to treble damages in addition to lost pay and recovery of attorney fees 
171.14 	and costs.
171.15 	(d) Any company who is found to have retaliated against a meat-processing worker must 
171.16 	pay a fine of up to $10,000 to the commissioner, in addition to other penalties available 
171.17 	under the law.
171.18 		Subd. 6.Whistleblower enforcement; penalty distribution. (a) The relief provided in 
171.19 	this section may be recovered through a private civil action brought on behalf of the 
171.20 	commissioner in a court of competent jurisdiction by another individual, including an 
171.21 	authorized employee representative, pursuant to this subdivision.
171.22 	(b) The individual must give written notice to the coordinator of the specific provision 
171.23 	or provisions of sections 179.87 to 179.8757 alleged to have been violated. The individual 
171.24 	or representative organization may commence a civil action under this subdivision if no 
171.25 	enforcement action is taken by the commissioner within 30 days.
171.26 	(c) Civil penalties recovered pursuant to this subdivision must be distributed as follows:
171.27 	(1) 70 percent to the commissioner for enforcement of sections 179.87 to 179.8757; and
171.28 	(2) 30 percent to the individual or authorized employee representative.
171.29 	(d) The right to bring an action under this subdivision shall not be impaired by private 
171.30 	contract. A public enforcement action must be tried promptly, without regard to concurrent 
171.31 	adjudication of a private claim for the same alleged violation.

172.1 	Sec. 6. [179.8755] RETALIATION AGAINST EMPLOYEES AND 
172.2 	WHISTLEBLOWERS PROHIBITED.
172.3 	(a) Pursuant to section 182.669, no meat-processing employer or other person may 
172.4 	discharge or discriminate against a worker because the worker has raised a concern about 
172.5 	a meatpacking operation's health and safety practices to the employer or otherwise exercised 
172.6 	any right authorized under sections 182.65 to 182.674.
172.7 	(b) No meat-processing employer or other person may attempt to require any worker to 
172.8 	sign a contract or other agreement that would limit or prevent the worker from disclosing 
172.9 	information about workplace health and safety practices or hazards, or to otherwise abide 
172.10 	by a workplace policy that would limit or prevent such disclosures. Any such agreements 
172.11 	or policies are hereby void and unenforceable as contrary to the public policy of this state. 
172.12 	An employer's attempt to impose such a contract, agreement, or policy shall constitute an 
172.13 	adverse action enforceable under section 179.875.
172.14 	(c) Reporting or threatening to report a meat-processing worker's suspected citizenship 
172.15 	or immigration status, or the suspected citizenship or immigration status of a family member 
172.16 	of the worker, to a federal, state, or local agency because the worker exercises a right under 
172.17 	sections 179.87 to 179.8757 constitutes an adverse action for purposes of establishing a 
172.18 	violation of that worker's rights. For purposes of this paragraph, "family member" means a 
172.19 	spouse, parent, sibling, child, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, cousin, grandparent, or grandchild 
172.20 	related by blood, adoption, marriage, or domestic partnership.

172.21 	Sec. 7. [179.8756] MEATPACKING WORKER CHRONIC INJURIES AND 
172.22 	WORKPLACE SAFETY.
172.23 		Subdivision 1.Facility committee. (a) The meat-processing employer's ergonomics 
172.24 	program under section 182.677, subdivision 2, must be developed and implemented by a 
172.25 	committee of individuals who are knowledgeable of the tasks and work processes performed 
172.26 	by workers at the employer's facility. The committee must include:
172.27 	(1) a certified professional ergonomist;
172.28 	(2) a licensed, board-certified physician, with preference given to a physician who has 
172.29 	specialized experience and training in occupational medicine; and
172.30 	(3) at least three workers employed in the employer's facility who have completed a 
172.31 	general industry outreach course approved by the commissioner, one of whom must be an 
172.32 	authorized employee representative if the employer is party to a collective bargaining 
172.33 	agreement.
173.1 	(b) If it is not practicable for a certified professional ergonomist or a licensed, 
173.2 	board-certified physician to be a member of the committee required by paragraph (a), the 
173.3 	meatpacking employer must have their safe-worker program reviewed by a certified 
173.4 	professional ergonomist and a licensed, board-certified physician prior to implementation 
173.5 	of the program and annually thereafter.
173.6 		Subd. 2.New task and annual safety training. (a) Meat-processing employers must 
173.7 	provide every worker who is assigned a new task if the worker has no previous work 
173.8 	experience with training on how to safely perform the task, the ergonomic and other hazards 
173.9 	associated with the task, and training on the early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal 
173.10 	injuries and the procedures for reporting them. The employer must give a worker an 
173.11 	opportunity within 30 days of receiving the new task training to receive refresher training 
173.12 	on the topics covered in the new task training. The employer must provide this training in 
173.13 	a language and with vocabulary that the employee can understand.
173.14 	(b) Meat-processing employers must provide each worker with no less than eight hours 
173.15 	of safety training each year. This annual training must address health and safety topics that 
173.16 	are relevant to the establishment and the worker's job assignment, such as cuts, lacerations, 
173.17 	amputations, machine guarding, biological hazards, lockout/tagout, hazard communication, 
173.18 	ergonomic hazards, and personal protective equipment. At least two of the eight hours of 
173.19 	annual training must be on topics related to the facility's ergonomic injury prevention 
173.20 	program, including the assessment of surveillance data, the ergonomic hazard prevention 
173.21 	and control plan, and the early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and the 
173.22 	procedures for reporting them. The employer must provide this training in a language and 
173.23 	with vocabulary that the employee can understand.
173.24 		Subd. 3.Medical services and qualifications. (a) Meat-processing employers must 
173.25 	ensure that:
173.26 	(1) all first-aid providers, medical assistants, nurses, and physicians engaged by the 
173.27 	employer are licensed and perform their duties within the scope of their licensed practice;
173.28 	(2) medical management of musculoskeletal disorders is under direct supervision of a 
173.29 	licensed physician specializing in occupational medicine who will advise on best practices 
173.30 	for management and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders; and
173.31 	(3) medical management of musculoskeletal injuries follows the most current version 
173.32 	of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine practice guidelines.
173.33 	(b) The coordinator may compile, analyze, and publish annually, either in summary or 
173.34 	detailed form, all reports or information obtained under sections 179.87 to 179.8757, 
174.1 	including information about ergonomics programs, and may cooperate with the United 
174.2 	States Department of Labor in obtaining national summaries of occupational deaths, injuries, 
174.3 	and illnesses. The coordinator and authorized employee representative must preserve the 
174.4 	anonymity of each employee with respect to whom medical reports or information is obtained.
174.5 		Subd. 4.Pandemic protections. (a) This subdivision applies during a peacetime public 
174.6 	health emergency declared under section 12.31, subdivision 2, that involves airborne 
174.7 	transmission.
174.8 	(b) Meat-processing employers must maintain at least a six-foot radius of space around 
174.9 	and between each worker unless a nonporous barrier separates the workers. An employer 
174.10 	may accomplish such distancing by increasing physical space between workstations, slowing 
174.11 	production speeds, staggering shifts and breaks, adjusting shift size, or a combination thereof. 
174.12 	The employer must reconfigure common or congregate spaces to allow for such distancing, 
174.13 	including lunch rooms, break rooms, and locker rooms. The employer must reinforce social 
174.14 	distancing by allowing workers to maintain six feet of distance along with the use of 
174.15 	nonporous barriers.
174.16 	(c) Meat-processing employers must provide employees with face masks and must make 
174.17 	face shields available on request. Face masks, including replacement face masks, and face 
174.18 	shields must be provided at no cost to the employee. All persons present at the meatpacking 
174.19 	operation must wear face masks in the facility except in those parts of the facility where 
174.20 	infection risk is low because workers work in isolation.
174.21 	(d) Meat-processing employers must provide all meat-processing workers with the ability 
174.22 	to frequently and routinely sanitize their hands with either hand-washing or hand-sanitizing 
174.23 	stations. The employer must ensure that restrooms have running hot and cold water and 
174.24 	paper towels and are in sanitary condition. The employer must provide gloves to those who 
174.25 	request them.
174.26 	(e) Meat-processing employers must clean and regularly disinfect all frequently touched 
174.27 	surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, training rooms, machinery controls, tools, 
174.28 	protective garments, eating surfaces, bathrooms, showers, and other similar areas. Employers 
174.29 	must install and maintain ventilation systems that ensure unidirectional air flow, outdoor 
174.30 	air, and filtration in both production areas and common areas such as cafeterias and locker 
174.31 	rooms.
174.32 	(f) Meat-processing employers must disseminate all required communications, notices, 
174.33 	and any published materials regarding these protections in English, Spanish, and other 
174.34 	languages as required for employees to understand the communication.
175.1 	(g) Consistent with sections 177.253 and 177.254, meat-processing employers must 
175.2 	provide adequate break time for workers to use the bathroom, wash their hands, and don 
175.3 	and doff protective equipment. Nothing in this subdivision relieves an employer of its 
175.4 	obligation to comply with federal and state wage and hour laws.
175.5 	(h) Meat-processing employers must provide sufficient personal protective equipment 
175.6 	for each employee for each shift, plus replacements, at no cost to the employee. 
175.7 	Meat-processing employers must provide training in proper use of personal protective 
175.8 	equipment, safety procedures, and sanitation.
175.9 	(i) Meat-processing employers must record all injuries and illnesses in the facility and 
175.10 	make these records available upon request to the health and safety committee. The name, 
175.11 	contact information, and occupation of an employee, and any other information that would 
175.12 	reveal the identity of an employee, must be removed. The redacted records must only include, 
175.13 	to the extent it would not reveal the identity of an employee, the location where the employee 
175.14 	worked, the date of the injury or visit, a description of the medical treatment or first aid 
175.15 	provided, and a description of the injury suffered. The employer also must make its records 
175.16 	available to the commissioner, and where there is a collective bargaining agreement, to the 
175.17 	authorized bargaining representative.
175.18 	(j) Except for paragraphs (f) and (g), this subdivision shall be enforced by the 
175.19 	commissioner under sections 182.66 and 182.661. A violation of this subdivision is subject 
175.20 	to the penalties provided under section 182.666. Paragraphs (f) and (g) are enforceable by 
175.21 	the commissioner as described in section 179.875, subdivision 2.
175.22 	(k) The entirety of this subdivision may also be enforced as described in section 179.875, 
175.23 	subdivisions 3 to 6.

175.24 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective November 1, 2023, except subdivision 
175.25 	4, which is effective July 1, 2023.

175.26 	Sec. 8. [179.8757] NOTIFICATION REQUIRED.
175.27 	(a) Meat-processing employers must provide written information and notifications about 
175.28 	employee rights under section 179.86 and sections 179.87 to 179.8757 to workers in their 
175.29 	language of fluency at least annually. If a worker is unable to understand written information 
175.30 	and notifications, the employer must provide such information and notices orally in the 
175.31 	worker's language of fluency.
175.32 	(b) The coordinator must notify covered employers of the provisions of sections 179.87 
175.33 	to 179.8757 and any recent updates at least annually.
176.1 	(c) The coordinator must place information explaining sections 179.87 to 179.8757 on 
176.2 	the Department of Labor and Industry's website in at least English, Spanish, and any other 
176.3 	language that at least ten percent of meat-processing workers communicate in fluently. The 
176.4 	coordinator must also make the information accessible to persons with impaired visual 
176.5 	acuity.

176.6 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective November 1, 2023.

176.7 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.654, subdivision 11, is amended to read:
176.8 		Subd. 11.Refusal to work under dangerous conditions. An employee acting in good 
176.9 	faith has the right to refuse to work under conditions which the employee reasonably believes 
176.10 	present an imminent danger of death or serious physical harm to the employee.
176.11 	A reasonable belief of imminent danger of death or serious physical harm includes but 
176.12 	is not limited to a reasonable belief of the employee that the employee has been assigned 
176.13 	to work in an unsafe or unhealthful manner with a hazardous substance, harmful physical 
176.14 	agent or infectious agent.
176.15 	An employer may not discriminate against an employee for a good faith refusal to 
176.16 	perform assigned tasks if the employee has requested that the employer correct the hazardous 
176.17 	conditions but the conditions remain uncorrected.
176.18 	An employee who has refused in good faith to perform assigned tasks and who has not 
176.19 	been reassigned to other tasks by the employer shall, in addition to retaining a right to 
176.20 	continued employment, receive pay for the tasks which would have been performed if (1) 
176.21 	the employee requests the commissioner to inspect and determine the nature of the hazardous 
176.22 	condition, and (2) the commissioner determines that the employee, by performing the 
176.23 	assigned tasks, would have been placed in imminent danger of death or serious physical 
176.24 	harm.
176.25 	Additionally, an administrative law judge may order, in addition to the relief found in 
176.26 	section 182.669:
176.27 	(1) reinstatement of the worker to the same position held before any adverse personnel 
176.28 	action or to an equivalent position; reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights; 
176.29 	compensation for unpaid wages, benefits, and other remuneration; or front pay in lieu of 
176.30 	reinstatement; and
176.31 	(2) compensatory damages payable to the aggrieved worker equal to the greater of $5,000 
176.32 	or twice the actual damages, including unpaid wages, benefits, and other remuneration and 
176.33 	punitive damages.

177.1 	ARTICLE 14
177.2 	WAREHOUSE WORKERS

177.3 	Section 1. [182.6526] WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION WORKER SAFETY.
177.4 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) The terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings 
177.5 	given them.
177.6 	(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry.
177.7 	(c)(1) Except as provided in clause (2), "employee" means a nonexempt employee who 
177.8 	works at a warehouse distribution center.
177.9 	(2) For the purposes of subdivisions 2, 3, and 4 only, "employee" means a nonexempt 
177.10 	employee performing warehouse work occurring on the property of a warehouse distribution 
177.11 	center, and does not include a nonexempt employee performing solely manufacturing, 
177.12 	administrative, sales, accounting, human resources, or driving work at a warehouse 
177.13 	distribution center.
177.14 	(d) "Work speed data" means information an employer collects, stores, analyzes, or 
177.15 	interprets relating to an individual employee's or group of employees' pace of work, including 
177.16 	but not limited to quantities of tasks performed, quantities of items or materials handled or 
177.17 	produced, rates or speeds of tasks performed, measurements or metrics of employee 
177.18 	performance in relation to a quota, and time categorized as performing tasks or not 
177.19 	performing tasks.
177.20 	(e) "Employer" means a person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any 
177.21 	other person, including through the services of a third-party employer, temporary service, 
177.22 	or staffing agency or similar entity, employs or exercises control over the wages, hours, or 
177.23 	working conditions of 250 or more employees at a single warehouse distribution center or 
177.24 	1,000 or more employees at one or more warehouse distribution centers in the state. For 
177.25 	purposes of this paragraph, all employees of an employer's unitary business, as that term is 
177.26 	defined in section 290.17, subdivision 4, shall be counted in determining the number of 
177.27 	employees employed at a single warehouse distribution center or at one or more warehouse 
177.28 	distribution centers in the state.
177.29 	(f) "Warehouse distribution center" means an establishment as defined by any of the 
177.30 	following North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes:
177.31 	(1) 493110 for General Warehousing and Storage;
177.32 	(2) 423 for Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods;
178.1 	(3) 424 for Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods;
178.2 	(4) 454110 for Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses; and
178.3 	(5) 492110 for Couriers and Express Delivery Services.
178.4 	(g) "Quota" means a work standard under which:
178.5 	(1) an employee or group of employees is assigned or required to perform at a specified 
178.6 	productivity speed, or perform a quantified number of tasks, or handle or produce a quantified 
178.7 	amount of material, or perform without a certain number of errors or defects, as measured 
178.8 	at the individual or group level within a defined time period; or
178.9 	(2) an employee's actions are categorized between time performing tasks and not 
178.10 	performing tasks, and the employee's failure to complete a task performance standard or 
178.11 	recommendation may have an adverse impact on the employee's continued employment.
178.12 		Subd. 2.Written description required. (a) Each employer shall provide to each 
178.13 	employee a written description of each quota to which the employee is subject and how it 
178.14 	is measured, including the quantified number of tasks to be performed or materials to be 
178.15 	produced or handled or the limit on time categorized as not performing tasks, within the 
178.16 	defined time period, and any potential adverse employment action that could result from 
178.17 	failure to meet the quota.
178.18 	(b) The written description must be understandable in plain language and in the 
178.19 	employee's language of preference.
178.20 	(c) The written description must be provided:
178.21 	(1) upon hire or within 30 days of the effective date of this section; and
178.22 	(2) no fewer than two working days prior to the effective date of any modification of 
178.23 	existing quotas.
178.24 	(d) An employer shall not take adverse employment action against an employee for 
178.25 	failure to meet a quota that has not been disclosed to the employee.
178.26 		Subd. 3.Breaks. An employee shall not be required to meet a quota that prevents 
178.27 	compliance with meal or rest or prayer periods, use of restroom facilities, including 
178.28 	reasonable travel time to and from restroom facilities as provided under section 177.253, 
178.29 	subdivision 1, or occupational health and safety standards under this chapter or Minnesota 
178.30 	Rules, chapter 5205. An employer shall not take adverse employment action against an 
178.31 	employee for failure to meet a quota that does not allow a worker to comply with meal or 
178.32 	rest or prayer periods, or occupational health and safety standards under this chapter.
179.1 		Subd. 4.Work speed data. (a) Employees have the right to request orally or in writing 
179.2 	from any supervisor, and the employer shall provide within 72 hours: (1) a written description 
179.3 	of each quota to which the employee is subject; (2) a copy of the most recent 90 days of the 
179.4 	employee's own personal work speed data; and (3) a copy of the prior six months of 
179.5 	aggregated work speed data for similar employees at the same work site.
179.6 	The written description of each quota must meet the requirements of subdivision 2, paragraph 
179.7 	(b), and the work speed data must be provided in a manner understandable to the employee. 
179.8 	An employee may make a request under this paragraph no more than four times per year.
179.9 	(b) If an employer disciplines an employee for failure to meet a quota, the employer 
179.10 	must, at the time of discipline, provide the employee with a written copy of the most recent 
179.11 	90 days of the employee's own personal work speed data. If an employer dismisses an 
179.12 	employee for any reason, they must, at the time of firing, provide the employee with a 
179.13 	written copy of the most recent 90 days of the employee's own personal work speed data. 
179.14 	An employer shall not retaliate against an employee for requesting data under this 
179.15 	subdivision.
179.16 		Subd. 5.High rates of injury. If a particular work site or employer is found to have an 
179.17 	employee incidence rate in a given year, based on data reported to the federal Occupational 
179.18 	Safety and Health Administration, of at least 30 percent higher than that year's average 
179.19 	incidence rate for the relevant NAICS code's nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses 
179.20 	by industry and case types, released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 
179.21 	commissioner shall open an investigation of violations under this section. The employer 
179.22 	must also hold its safety committee meetings as provided under section 182.676 monthly 
179.23 	until, for two consecutive years, the work site or employer does not have an employee 
179.24 	incidence rate 30 percent higher than the average yearly incidence rate for the relevant 
179.25 	NAICS code.
179.26 		Subd. 6.Enforcement. (a) Subdivision 2, paragraphs (a) to (c), subdivision 4, and 
179.27 	subdivision 5 shall be enforced by the commissioner under sections 182.66, 182.661, and 
179.28 	182.669. A violation of this section is subject to the penalties provided under sections 
179.29 	182.666 and 182.669.
179.30 	(b) A current or former employee aggrieved by a violation of this section may bring a 
179.31 	civil cause of action for damages and injunctive relief to obtain compliance with this section, 
179.32 	may receive other equitable relief as determined by a court, including reinstatement with 
179.33 	back pay, and may, upon prevailing in the action, recover costs and reasonable attorney 
180.1 	fees in that action. A cause of action under this section must be commenced within one year 
180.2 	of the date of the violation.
180.3 	(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent local enforcement of occupational 
180.4 	health and safety standards that are more restrictive than this section.

180.5 	Sec. 2. SEVERABILITY.
 180.6 	If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is 
180.7 	held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the act which 
180.8 	can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.

180.9 	ARTICLE 15
180.10 	CONSTRUCTION WORKER WAGE PROTECTIONS

180.11 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
180.12 		Subdivision 1.Examination of records. The commissioner may enter during reasonable 
180.13 	office hours or upon request and inspect the place of business or employment of any employer 
180.14 	of employees working in the state, to examine and inspect books, registers, payrolls, and 
180.15 	other records of any employer that in any way relate to wages, hours, and other conditions 
180.16 	of employment of any employees. The commissioner may transcribe any or all of the books, 
180.17 	registers, payrolls, and other records as the commissioner deems necessary or appropriate 
180.18 	and may question the employees to ascertain compliance with sections 177.21 to 177.435
180.19 	and 181.165. The commissioner may investigate wage claims or complaints by an employee 
180.20 	against an employer if the failure to pay a wage may violate Minnesota law or an order or 
180.21 	rule of the department.

180.22 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
180.23 		Subd. 4.Compliance orders. The commissioner may issue an order requiring an 
180.24 	employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.435, 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 181.032, 
180.25 	181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, 181.165, 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d), 
180.26 	181.275, subdivision 2a, 181.722, 181.79, and 181.939 to 181.943, or with any rule 
180.27 	promulgated under section 177.28. The commissioner shall issue an order requiring an 
180.28 	employer to comply with sections 177.41 to 177.435or 181.165 if the violation is repeated. 
180.29 	For purposes of this subdivision only, a violation is repeated if at any time during the two 
180.30 	years that preceded the date of violation, the commissioner issued an order to the employer 
180.31 	for violation of sections 177.41 to 177.435 or 181.165 and the order is final or the 
180.32 	commissioner and the employer have entered into a settlement agreement that required the 
181.1 	employer to pay back wages that were required by sections 177.41 to 177.435. The 
181.2 	department shall serve the order upon the employer or the employer's authorized 
181.3 	representative in person or by certified mail at the employer's place of business. An employer 
181.4 	who wishes to contest the order must file written notice of objection to the order with the 
181.5 	commissioner within 15 calendar days after being served with the order. A contested case 
181.6 	proceeding must then be held in accordance with sections 14.57 to 14.69 or 181.165. If, 
181.7 	within 15 calendar days after being served with the order, the employer fails to file a written 
181.8 	notice of objection with the commissioner, the order becomes a final order of the 
181.9 	commissioner. For the purposes of this subdivision, an employer includes a contractor that 
181.10 	has assumed a subcontractor's liability within the meaning of section 181.165.

181.11 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
181.12 		Subd. 8.Court actions; suits brought by private parties. An employee may bring a 
181.13 	civil action seeking redress for a violation or violations of sections 177.21 to 177.44and 
181.14 	181.165 directly to district court. An employer who pays an employee less than the wages 
181.15 	and overtime compensation to which the employee is entitled under sections 177.21 to 
181.16 	177.44 or a contractor that has assumed a subcontractor's liability as required by section 
181.17 	181.165, is liable to the employee for the full amount of the wages, gratuities, and overtime 
181.18 	compensation, less any amount the employer or contractor is able to establish was actually 
181.19 	paid to the employee and for an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. In addition, 
181.20 	in an action under this subdivision the employee may seek damages and other appropriate 
181.21 	relief provided by subdivision 7 and otherwise provided by law. An agreement between the 
181.22 	employee and the employer to work for less than the applicable wage is not a defense to 
181.23 	the action.

181.24 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
181.25 		Subd. 9.District court jurisdiction. Any action brought under subdivision 8 may be 
181.26 	filed in the district court of the county wherein a violation or violations of sections 177.21
181.27 	to 177.44 or 181.165 are alleged to have been committed, where the respondent resides or 
181.28 	has a principal place of business, or any other court of competent jurisdiction. The action 
181.29 	may be brought by one or more employees.

181.30 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
181.31 		Subd. 10.Attorney fees and costs. In any action brought pursuant to subdivision 8, the 
181.32 	court shall order an employer who is found to have committed a violation or violations of 
182.1 	sections 177.21 to 177.44or 181.165 to pay to the employee or employees reasonable costs, 
182.2 	disbursements, witness fees, and attorney fees.

182.3 	Sec. 6. [181.165] WAGE PROTECTION; CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.
182.4 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
182.5 	the meanings given.
182.6 	(b) "Claimant" means any person claiming unpaid wages, fringe benefits, penalties, or 
182.7 	resulting liquidated damages that are owed as required by law, including any applicable 
182.8 	statute, regulation, rule, ordinance, government resolution or policy, contract, or other legal 
182.9 	authority.
182.10 	(c) "Commissioner" refers to the commissioner of labor and industry.
182.11 	(d) "Construction contract" means a written or oral agreement for the construction, 
182.12 	reconstruction, erection, alteration, remodeling, repairing, maintenance, moving, or 
182.13 	demolition of any building, structure, or improvement, or relating to the excavation of or 
182.14 	development or improvement to land. For purposes of this section, a construction contract 
182.15 	shall not include a home improvement contract for the performance of a home improvement 
182.16 	between a home improvement contractor and the owner of an owner-occupied dwelling, 
182.17 	and a home construction contract for one- or two-family dwelling units except where such 
182.18 	contract or contracts results in the construction of more than ten one- or two-family 
182.19 	owner-occupied dwellings at one project site annually.
182.20 	(e) "Contractor" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, company, 
182.21 	organization, or other entity, including a construction manager, general or prime contractor, 
182.22 	joint venture, or any combination thereof, along with their successors, heirs, and assigns, 
182.23 	which enters into a construction contract with an owner. An owner shall be deemed a 
182.24 	contractor and liable as such under this section if said owner has entered into a construction 
182.25 	contract with more than one contractor or subcontractor on any construction site.
182.26 	(f) "Owner" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, company, 
182.27 	organization, or other entity, or a combination of any thereof, with an ownership interest, 
182.28 	whether the interest or estate is in fee, as vendee under a contract to purchase, as lessee or 
182.29 	another interest or estate less than fee that causes a building, structure, or improvement, 
182.30 	new or existing, to be constructed, reconstructed, erected, altered, remodeled, repaired, 
182.31 	maintained, moved, or demolished or that causes land to be excavated or otherwise developed 
182.32 	or improved.
183.1 	(g) "Subcontractor" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, company, 
183.2 	association, organization or other entity, or any combination thereof, that is a party to a 
183.3 	contract with a contractor or party to a contract with the contractor's subcontractors at any 
183.4 	tier to perform any portion of work within the scope of the contractor's construction contract 
183.5 	with the owner, including where the subcontractor has no direct privity of contract with the 
183.6 	contractor. When the owner is deemed a contractor, subcontractor also includes the owner's 
183.7 	contractors.
183.8 		Subd. 2.Assumption of liability. (a) A contractor entering into a construction contract 
183.9 	shall assume and is liable for any unpaid wages, fringe benefits, penalties, and resulting 
183.10 	liquidated damages owed to a claimant or third party acting on the claimant's behalf by a 
183.11 	subcontractor at any tier acting under, by, or for the contractor or its subcontractors for the 
183.12 	claimant's performance of labor.
183.13 	(b) A contractor or any other person shall not evade or commit any act that negates the 
183.14 	requirements of this section. No agreement by an employee or subcontractor to indemnify 
183.15 	a contractor or otherwise release or transfer liability assigned to a contractor under this 
183.16 	section shall be valid. However, if a contractor has satisfied unpaid wage claims of an 
183.17 	employee and incurred fees and costs in doing so, such contractor may then pursue actual 
183.18 	and liquidated damages from any subcontractor who caused the contractor to incur those 
183.19 	damages.
183.20 	(c) A contractor shall not evade liability under this section by claiming that a person is 
183.21 	an independent contractor rather than an employee of a subcontractor unless the person 
183.22 	meets the criteria required by section 181.723, subdivision 4.
183.23 		Subd. 3.Enforcement. (a) In the case of a complaint filed with the commissioner under 
183.24 	section 177.27, subdivision 1, or a private civil action by an employee under section 177.27, 
183.25 	subdivision 8, such employee may designate any person, organization, or collective 
183.26 	bargaining agent authorized to file a complaint with the commissioner or in court pursuant 
183.27 	to this section to make a wage claim on the claimant's behalf.
183.28 	(b) In the case of an action against a subcontractor, the contractor shall be jointly and 
183.29 	severally liable for any unpaid wages, benefits, penalties, and any other remedies available 
183.30 	pursuant to this section.
183.31 	(c) Claims shall be brought consistent with section 541.07, clause (5), for the initiation 
183.32 	of such claim under this section in a court of competent jurisdiction or the filing of a 
183.33 	complaint with the commissioner or attorney general. The provisions of this section do not 
184.1 	diminish, impair, or otherwise infringe on any other right of an employee to bring an action 
184.2 	or file a complaint against any employer.
184.3 		Subd. 4.Payroll records; data. (a) Within 15 days of a request by a contractor to a 
184.4 	subcontractor, the subcontractor, and any other subcontractors hired under contract to the 
184.5 	subcontractor shall provide payroll records, which, at minimum, contain all lawfully required 
184.6 	information for all workers providing labor on the project. The payroll records shall contain 
184.7 	sufficient information to apprise the contractor or subcontractor of such subcontractor's 
184.8 	payment of wages and fringe benefit contributions to a third party on the workers' behalf. 
184.9 	Payroll records shall be marked or redacted to an extent only to prevent disclosure of the 
184.10 	employee's Social Security number.
184.11 	(b) Within 15 days of a request of a contractor or a contractor's subcontractor, any 
184.12 	subcontractor that performs any portion of work within the scope of the contractor's 
184.13 	construction contract with an owner shall provide:
184.14 	(1) the names of all employees and independent contractors of the subcontractor on the 
184.15 	project, including the names of all those designated as independent contractors and, when 
184.16 	applicable, the name of the contractor's subcontractor with whom the subcontractor is under 
184.17 	contract;
184.18 	(2) the anticipated contract start date;
184.19 	(3) the scheduled duration of work;
184.20 	(4) when applicable, local unions with which such subcontractor is a signatory contractor; 
184.21 	and
184.22 	(5) the name and telephone number of a contact for the subcontractor.
184.23 	(c) Unless otherwise required by law, a contractor or subcontractor shall not disclose an 
184.24 	individual's personal identifying information to the general public, except that the contractor 
184.25 	or subcontractor can confirm that the individual works for them and provide the individual's 
184.26 	full name.
184.27 		Subd. 5.Payments to contractors and subcontractors. Nothing in this section shall 
184.28 	alter the owner's obligation to pay a contractor, or a contractor's obligation to pay a 
184.29 	subcontractor as set forth in section 337.10, except as expressly permitted by this section.
184.30 		Subd. 6.Exemptions.  (a) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to diminish the rights, 
184.31 	privileges, or remedies of any employee under any collective bargaining agreement. This 
184.32 	section shall not apply to any contractor or subcontractor that is a signatory to a bona fide 
184.33 	collective bargaining agreement with a building and construction trade labor organization 
185.1 	that: (1) contains a grievance procedure that may be used to recover unpaid wages on behalf 
185.2 	of employees covered by the agreement; and (2) provides for collection of unpaid 
185.3 	contributions to fringe benefit trust funds established pursuant to United States Code, title 
185.4 	29, section 186(c)(5)-(6), by or on behalf of such trust funds.
185.5 	(b) This section does not apply to work for which prevailing wage rates apply under 
185.6 	sections 177.41 to 177.44.

185.7 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.171, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
185.8 		Subd. 4.Employer; definition. "Employer" means any person having one or more 
185.9 	employees in Minnesota and includes the state or a contractor that has assumed a 
185.10 	subcontractor's liability within the meaning of section 181.165 and any political subdivision 
185.11 	of the state. This definition applies to this section and sections 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 
185.12 	181.032, 181.06, 181.063, 181.10, 181.101, 181.13, 181.14, and 181.16.

185.13 	Sec. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 185.14 	Sections 1 to 7 are effective August 1, 2023, and apply to contracts or agreements entered 
185.15 	into, renewed, modified, or amended on or after that date.

APPENDIX 

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: UES3035-1 

116J.9924 TARGETED COMMUNITY CAPITAL PROJECT GRANT PROGRAM.Subd. 6.Applicability of other laws. 
The provisions of chapter 16A that apply to general fund appropriations for capital projects also apply to grants under this section. Money granted under this section is available until the project is completed or abandoned subject to section 16A.642. 

177.26 DIVISION OF LABOR STANDARDS.Subd. 3.Employees; transfer from Division of Women and Children. 
All persons employed by the department in the Division of Women and Children are transferred to the Division of Labor Standards. A transferred person does not lose rights acquired by reason of employment at the time of transfer. 

Repealed Minnesota Session Laws: UES3035-1 

Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 7, article 2, section 8, as amended by Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter 10, article 2, section 19
Sec. 19. Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 7, article 2, section 8, is amended to read:Sec. 8. LAUNCH MINNESOTA. Subdivision 1.Establishment. 
Launch Minnesota is established within the Business and Community Development Division of the Department of Employment and Economic Development to encourage and support the development of new private sector technologies and support the science and technology policies under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.222. Launch Minnesota must provide entrepreneurs and emerging technology-based companies business development assistance and financial assistance to spur growth. 

Subd. 2.Definitions. 
(a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given. 

(b) "Advisory board" means the board established under subdivision 9. 

(c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development. 

(d) "Department" means the Department of Employment and Economic Development. 

(e) "Entrepreneur" means a Minnesota resident who is involved in establishing a business entity and secures resources directed to its growth while bearing the risk of loss. 

(f) "Greater Minnesota" means the area of Minnesota located outside of the metropolitan area as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2. 

(g) "Innovative technology and business" means a new novel business model or product; a derivative product incorporating new elements into an existing product; a new use for a product; or a new process or method for the manufacture, use, or assessment of any product or activity, patentability, or scalability. Innovative technology or business model does not include locally based retail, lifestyle, or business services. The business must not be primarily engaged in real estate development, insurance, banking, lending, lobbying, political consulting, information technology consulting, wholesale or retail trade, leisure, hospitality, transportation, construction, ethanol production from corn, or professional services provided by attorneys, accountants, business consultants, physicians, or health care consultants. 

(h) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.28, subdivision 6. 

(i) "Minority group member" means a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident who is Asian, Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, or Native American. 

(j) "Research and development" means any activity that is:  

(1) a systematic, intensive study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the subject studies;  

(2) a systematic study directed specifically toward applying new knowledge to meet a recognized need; or  

(3) a systematic application of knowledge toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems and methods, including design, development and improvement of prototypes and new processes to meet specific requirements. 

(k) "Start-up" means a business entity that has been in operation for less than ten years, has operations in Minnesota, and is in the development stage defined as devoting substantially all of its efforts to establishing a new business and either of the following conditions exists: 

(1) planned principal operations have not commenced; or  

(2) planned principal operations have commenced, but have generated less than $1,000,000 in revenue. 

(l) "Technology-related assistance" means the application and utilization of technological-information and technologies to assist in the development and production of new technology-related products or services or to increase the productivity or otherwise enhance the production or delivery of existing products or services. 

(m) "Trade association" means a nonprofit membership organization organized to promote businesses and business conditions and having an election under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6). 

(n) "Veteran" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 197.447. 

Subd. 3.Duties. 
The commissioner, by and through Launch Minnesota, shall: 

(1) support innovation and initiatives designed to accelerate the growth of innovative technology and business start-ups in Minnesota;  

(2) in partnership with other organizations, offer classes and instructional sessions on how to start an innovative technology and business start-up;  

(3) promote activities for entrepreneurs and investors regarding the state's growing innovation economy;  

(4) hold events and meetings that gather key stakeholders in the state's innovation sector;  

(5) conduct outreach and education on innovation activities and related financial programs available from the department and other organizations, particularly for underserved communities;  

(6) interact and collaborate with statewide partners including but not limited to businesses, nonprofits, trade associations, and higher education institutions;  

(7) administer an advisory board to assist with direction, grant application review, program evaluation, report development, and partnerships;  

(8) accept grant applications under subdivisions 5, 6, and 7 and work with the advisory board to review and prioritize the applications and provide recommendations to the commissioner; and 

(9) perform other duties at the commissioner's discretion. 

Subd. 4.Administration. 
(a) The commissioner shall employ an executive director in the unclassified service, one staff member to support Launch Minnesota, and one staff member in the business and community development division to manage grants. The executive director shall: 

(1) assist the commissioner and the advisory board in performing the duties of Launch Minnesota; and 

(2) comply with all state and federal program requirements, and all state and federal securities and tax laws and regulations. 

(b) Launch Minnesota may occupy and lease physical space in a private coworking facility that includes office space for staff and space for community engagement for training entrepreneurs. The physical space leased under this paragraph is exempt from the requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.24, subdivision 6. 

(c) At least three times per month, Launch Minnesota staff shall communicate with organizations in greater Minnesota that have received a grant under subdivision 7. To the extent possible, Launch Minnesota shall form partnerships with organizations located throughout the state. 

(d) Launch Minnesota must accept grant applications under this section and provide funding recommendations to the commissioner and the commissioner shall distribute grants based in part on the recommendations. 

Subd. 5.Application process. 
(a) The commissioner shall establish the application form and procedures for grants. 

(b) Upon receiving recommendations from Launch Minnesota, the commissioner is responsible for evaluating all applications using evaluation criteria which shall be developed by Launch Minnesota in consultation with the advisory board. 

(c) For grants under subdivision 6, priority shall be given if the applicant is: 

(1) a business or entrepreneur located in greater Minnesota; or 

(2) a business owner, individual with a disability, or entrepreneur who is a woman, veteran, or minority group member. 

(d) For grants under subdivision 7, priority shall be given if the applicant is planning to serve: 

(1) businesses or entrepreneurs located in greater Minnesota; or 

(2) business owners, individuals with disabilities, or entrepreneurs who are women, veterans, or minority group members. 

(e) The department staff, and not Launch Minnesota staff, are responsible for awarding funding, disbursing funds, and monitoring grantee performance for all grants awarded under this section. 

(f) Grantees must provide matching funds by equal expenditures and grant payments must be provided on a reimbursement basis after review of submitted receipts by the department. 

(g) Grant applications must be accepted on a regular periodic basis by Launch Minnesota and must be reviewed by Launch Minnesota and the advisory board before being submitted to the commissioner with their recommendations. 

Subd. 6.Innovation grants. 
(a) The commissioner shall distribute innovation grants under this subdivision. 

(b) The commissioner shall provide a grant of up to $35,000 to an eligible business or entrepreneur for research and development expenses, direct business expenses, and the purchase of technical assistance or services from public higher education institutions and nonprofit entities. Research and development expenditures may include but are not limited to proof of concept activities, intellectual property protection, prototype designs and production, and commercial feasibility. Expenditures funded under this subdivision are not eligible for the research and development tax credit under Minnesota Statutes, section 290.068. Direct business expenses may include rent, equipment purchases, and supplier invoices. Taxes imposed by federal, state, or local government entities may not be reimbursed under this paragraph. Technical assistance or services must be purchased to assist in the development or commercialization of a product or service to be eligible. Each business or entrepreneur may receive only one grant per biennium under this paragraph. 

(c) The commissioner shall provide a grant of up to $35,000 in Phase 1 or $50,000 in Phase 2 to an eligible business or entrepreneur that, as a registered client of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, has been awarded a first time Phase 1 or Phase 2 award pursuant to the SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs after July 1, 2019. Each business or entrepreneur may receive only one grant per biennium under this paragraph. Grants under this paragraph are not subject to the requirements of subdivision 2, paragraph (k), but do require a recommendation from the Launch Minnesota advisory board. 

Subd. 7.Entrepreneur education grants. 
(a) The commissioner shall make entrepreneur education grants to institutions of higher education and other organizations to provide educational programming to entrepreneurs and provide outreach to and collaboration with businesses, federal and state agencies, institutions of higher education, trade associations, and other organizations working to advance innovative technology businesses throughout Minnesota.  

(b) Applications for entrepreneur education grants under this subdivision must be submitted to the commissioner and evaluated by department staff other than Launch Minnesota. The evaluation criteria must be developed by Launch Minnesota, in consultation with the advisory board, and the commissioner, and priority must be given to an applicant who demonstrates activity assisting business owners or entrepreneurs residing in greater Minnesota or who are women, veterans, or minority group members. 

(c) Department staff other than Launch Minnesota staff are responsible for awarding funding, disbursing funds, and monitoring grantee performance under this subdivision. 

(d) Grantees may use the grant funds to deliver the following services:  

(1) development and delivery to innovative technology businesses of industry specific or innovative product or process specific counseling on issues of business formation, market structure, market research and strategies, securing first mover advantage or overcoming barriers to entry, protecting intellectual property, and securing debt or equity capital. This counseling is to be delivered in a classroom setting or using distance media presentations; 

(2) outreach and education to businesses and organizations on the small business investment tax credit program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8737, the MNvest crowd-funding program under Minnesota Statutes, section 80A.461, and other state programs that support innovative technology business creation especially in underserved communities; 

(3) collaboration with institutions of higher education, local organizations, federal and state agencies, the Small Business Development Center, and the Small Business Assistance Office to create and offer educational programming and ongoing counseling in greater Minnesota that is consistent with those services offered in the metropolitan area; and 

(4) events and meetings with other innovation-related organizations to inform entrepreneurs and potential investors about Minnesota's growing innovation economy. 

Subd. 8.Report. 
(a) Launch Minnesota shall report by December 31, 2022, and again by December 31, 2023, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the house of representatives and senate having jurisdiction over economic development policy and finance. Each report shall include information on the work completed, including awards made by the department under this section and progress toward transferring the activities of Launch Minnesota to an entity outside of state government. 

(b) By December 31, 2024, Launch Minnesota shall provide a comprehensive transition plan to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the house of representatives and senate having jurisdiction over economic development policy and finance. The transition plan shall include: (1) a detailed strategy for the transfer of Launch Minnesota activities to an entity outside of state government; (2) the projected date of the transfer; and (3) the role of the state, if any, in ongoing activities of Launch Minnesota or its successor entity.  

Subd. 9.Advisory board. 
(a) The commissioner shall establish an advisory board to advise the executive director regarding the activities of Launch Minnesota, make the recommendations described in this section, and develop and initiate a strategic plan for transferring some activities of Launch Minnesota to a new or existing public-private partnership or nonprofit organization outside of state government.  

(b) The advisory board shall consist of ten members and is governed by Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059. A minimum of seven members must be from the private sector representing business and at least two members but no more than three members must be from government and higher education. At least three of the members of the advisory board shall be from greater Minnesota and at least three members shall be minority group members. Appointees shall represent a range of interests, including entrepreneurs, large businesses, industry organizations, investors, and both public and private small business service providers. 

(c) The advisory board shall select a chair from its private sector members. The executive director shall provide administrative support to the committee.  

(d) The commissioner, or a designee, shall serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the advisory board. 

Subd. 10.Expiration. 
This section expires January 1, 2026.