SF 3035

2nd Unofficial Engrossment - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 04/11/2024 09:21pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; establishing a biennial budget for the Department of
Labor and Industry, Department of Employment and Economic Development,
Bureau of Mediation Services, Public Employment Relations Board, Workers'
Compensation Court of Appeals, and Explore Minnesota; making economic
development, labor, and workforce development policy changes; authorizing
rulemaking; requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes
2022, sections 13.43, subdivision 6; 116J.5492, subdivisions 8, 10; 116J.55,
subdivisions 1, 5, 6; 116J.871, subdivisions 1, 2; 116J.8748, subdivisions 3, 4, 6,
by adding a subdivision; 116J.9924, subdivision 4; 116L.361, subdivision 7;
116L.362, subdivision 1; 116L.364, subdivision 3; 116L.365, subdivision 1;
116L.56, subdivision 2; 116L.561, subdivision 5; 116L.562, subdivision 2; 175.16,
subdivision 1; 177.26, subdivisions 1, 2; 177.27, subdivisions 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10;
178.01; 178.011, subdivision 7; 178.03, subdivision 1; 178.11; 179.86, subdivisions
1, 3, by adding subdivisions; 179A.041, by adding a subdivision; 181.14,
subdivision 1; 181.171, subdivision 4; 181.635, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; 181.85,
subdivisions 2, 4; 181.86, subdivision 1; 181.87, subdivisions 2, 3, 7; 181.88;
181.89, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 181.9435, subdivision 1; 181.9436;
182.654, subdivision 11; 182.666, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, by adding a
subdivision; 268.035, subdivision 20; 268A.15, by adding a subdivision; 326B.092,
subdivision 6; 326B.096; 326B.103, subdivision 13, by adding subdivisions;
326B.106, subdivisions 1, 4, by adding a subdivision; 326B.802, subdivision 15;
341.21, subdivisions 2a, 2b, 2c, 4f, 7, by adding a subdivision; 341.221; 341.25;
341.27; 341.28, subdivisions 2, 3, by adding subdivisions; 341.30, subdivision 4;
341.32, subdivision 2; 341.321; 341.33; 341.355; 357.021, subdivision 1a; 469.40,
subdivision 11; 469.47, subdivisions 1, 5; 517.08, subdivision 1c; proposing coding
for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 13; 116J; 116L; 179; 181; 182; 341;
repealing Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 116J.9924, subdivision 6; 177.26,
subdivision 3; Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 7, article 2, section 8, as
amended.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

APPROPRIATIONS; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin (a) The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the
agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the
general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for
each purpose. The figures "2024" and "2025" used in this article mean that the appropriations
listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025,
respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2024. "The second year" is fiscal year 2025. "The
biennium" is fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
new text end

new text begin (b) If an appropriation in this article is enacted more than once in the 2023 regular or
special legislative session, the appropriation must be given effect only once.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2024 new text end		new text begin 2025 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 881,351,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 302,449,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 855,586,000 new text end	new text begin 277,384,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 700,000 new text end	new text begin 700,000 new text end
new text begin Workforce Development new text end	new text begin 25,065,000 new text end	new text begin 24,365,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Business and Community Development new text end

new text begin 705,290,000 new text end

new text begin 136,488,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 703,240,000 new text end	new text begin 134,438,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 700,000 new text end	new text begin 700,000 new text end
new text begin Workforce Development new text end	new text begin 1,350,000 new text end	new text begin 1,350,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,787,000 each year is for the greater
Minnesota business development public
infrastructure grant program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116J.431. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (b) $6,425,000 each year is for the small
business partnership program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116J.8746. In fiscal year 2026
and beyond, the base amount is $4,679,000.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,772,000 each year is for contaminated
site cleanup and development grants under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.551 to
116J.558. This appropriation is available until
expended.
new text end

new text begin (d) $700,000 each year is from the remediation
fund for contaminated site cleanup and
development grants under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 116J.551 to 116J.558. This
appropriation is available until expended.
new text end

new text begin (e) $389,000 each year is for the Center for
Rural Policy and Development. In fiscal year
2026 and beyond, the base amount is
$139,000.
new text end

new text begin (f) $25,000 each year is for the administration
of state aid for the Destination Medical Center
under Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.40 to
469.47.
new text end

new text begin (g) $875,000 each year is for the host
community economic development program
established in Minnesota Statutes, section
116J.548.
new text end

new text begin (h)(1) $6,500,000 each year is for grants to
local communities to increase the number of
quality child care providers to support
economic development. This appropriation is
available through June 30, 2025. Beginning
in fiscal year 2026, the base amount is
$1,500,000. Fifty percent of grant funds must
go to communities located outside the
seven-county metropolitan area as defined in
Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121,
subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (2) Grant recipients must obtain a 50 percent
nonstate match to grant funds in either cash
or in-kind contribution, unless the
commissioner waives the requirement. Grant
funds available under this subdivision must
be used to implement projects to reduce the
child care shortage in the state, including but
not limited to funding for child care business
start-ups or expansion, training, facility
modifications, direct subsidies or incentives
to retain employees, or improvements required
for licensing and assistance with licensing and
other regulatory requirements. In awarding
grants, the commissioner must give priority
to communities that have demonstrated a
shortage of child care providers.
new text end

new text begin (3) Within one year of receiving grant funds,
grant recipients must report to the
commissioner on the outcomes of the grant
program, including but not limited to the
number of new providers, the number of
additional child care provider jobs created, the
number of additional child care slots, and the
amount of cash and in-kind local funds
invested. Within one month of all grant
recipients reporting on program outcomes, the
commissioner must report the grant recipients'
outcomes to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over early learning, child care, and
economic development.
new text end

new text begin (i) $3,500,000 each year is for a grant to the
Minnesota Initiative Foundations. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.
Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the base amount
is $1,000,000. The Minnesota Initiative
Foundations must use grant funds under this
section to:
new text end

new text begin (1) facilitate planning processes for rural
communities resulting in a community solution
action plan that guides decision making to
sustain and increase the supply of quality child
care in the region to support economic
development;
new text end

new text begin (2) engage the private sector to invest local
resources to support the community solution
action plan and ensure quality child care is a
vital component of additional regional
economic development planning processes;
new text end

new text begin (3) provide locally based training and technical
assistance to rural child care business owners
individually or through a learning cohort.
Access to financial and business development
assistance must prepare child care businesses
for quality engagement and improvement by
stabilizing operations, leveraging funding from
other sources, and fostering business acumen
that allows child care businesses to plan for
and afford the cost of providing quality child
care; and
new text end

new text begin (4) recruit child care programs to participate
in quality rating and improvement
measurement programs. The Minnesota
Initiative Foundations must work with local
partners to provide low-cost training,
professional development opportunities, and
continuing education curricula. The Minnesota
Initiative Foundations must fund, through local
partners, an enhanced level of coaching to
rural child care providers to obtain a quality
rating through measurement programs.
new text end

new text begin (j) $8,000,000 each year is for the Minnesota
job creation fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116J.8748. Of this amount, the
commissioner of employment and economic
development may use up to three percent for
administrative expenses. This appropriation
is available until expended.
new text end

new text begin (k) $12,370,000 each year is for the Minnesota
investment fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116J.8731. Of this amount, the
commissioner of employment and economic
development may use up to three percent for
administration and monitoring of the program.
This appropriation is available until expended.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
116J.8731, money appropriated to the
commissioner for the Minnesota investment
fund may be used for the redevelopment
program under Minnesota Statutes, sections
116J.575 and 116J.5761, at the discretion of
the commissioner. Grants under this paragraph
are not subject to the grant amount limitation
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8731.
new text end

new text begin (l) $2,246,000 each year is for the
redevelopment program under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 116J.575 and 116J.5761.
new text end

new text begin (m) $1,000,000 each year is for the Minnesota
emerging entrepreneur loan program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116M.18. Funds
available under this paragraph are for transfer
into the emerging entrepreneur program
special revenue fund account created under
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116M, and are
available until expended. Of this amount, up
to four percent is for administration and
monitoring of the program.
new text end

new text begin (n) $325,000 each year is for the Minnesota
Film and TV Board. The appropriation each
year is available only upon receipt by the
board of $1 in matching contributions of
money or in-kind contributions from nonstate
sources for every $3 provided by this
appropriation, except that each year up to
$50,000 is available on July 1 even if the
required matching contribution has not been
received by that date.
new text end

new text begin (o) $12,000 each year is for a grant to the
Upper Minnesota Film Office.
new text end

new text begin (p) $500,000 each year is for a grant to the
Minnesota Film and TV Board for the film
production jobs program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116U.26. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (q) $4,195,000 each year is for the Minnesota
job skills partnership program under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.01 to
116L.17. If the appropriation for either year
is insufficient, the appropriation for the other
year is available. This appropriation is
available until expended.
new text end

new text begin (r) $1,350,000 each year from the workforce
development fund is for jobs training grants
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.41.
new text end

new text begin (s) $2,500,000 each year is for Launch
Minnesota. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2027. The base in fiscal year
2026 is $0. Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $1,500,000 each year is for innovation
grants to eligible Minnesota entrepreneurs or
start-up businesses to assist with their
operating needs;
new text end

new text begin (2) $500,000 each year is for administration
of Launch Minnesota; and
new text end

new text begin (3) $500,000 each year is for grantee activities
at Launch Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (t) $250,000 each year is for the publication,
dissemination, and use of labor market
information under Minnesota Statutes, section
116J.401.
new text end

new text begin (u) $500,000 each year is for the airport
infrastructure renewal (AIR) grant program
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.439.
In awarding grants with this appropriation, the
commissioner must prioritize eligible
applicants that did not receive a grant pursuant
to the appropriation in Laws 2019, First
Special Session chapter 7, article 1, section 2,
subdivision 2, paragraph (q).
new text end

new text begin (v) $350,000 each year is for administration
of the community energy transition office.
new text end

new text begin (w) $5,000,000 each year is for the community
energy transition grant program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.55. This is
a onetime appropriation and is available until
expended.
new text end

new text begin (x) $400,000,000 in the first year is for
providing businesses with matching funds
required by federal programs. This
appropriation is available until spent. Of this
amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $100,000,000 is to match no less than
$100,000,000 in federal funds provided by
Public Law 117-328 to establish a campus for
biomanufacturing pilot-scale testing and
commercialization, including site acquisition
and development; and
new text end

new text begin (2) $300,000,000 is to match no less than
$300,000,000 in federal funds provided by
Public Law 117-167 for microelectronic
manufacturing facilities and workforce
development.
new text end

new text begin (y) $1,250,000 each year is to hire, train, and
deploy small business navigators in
communities and locations throughout the state
to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs,
especially historically underserved small
businesses and entrepreneurs, in accessing
state, federal, local, and private small business
assistance programs. Of this amount, $500,000
must be used to improve the agency's digital
navigation and information services for small
businesses and entrepreneurs. In fiscal year
2026 and beyond, the base amount is
$1,000,000.
new text end

new text begin (z) $500,000 each year is for the Office of
Child Care Community Partnerships. Of this
amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $450,000 each year is for administration
of the Office of Child Care Community
Partnerships; and
new text end

new text begin (2) $50,000 each year is for the Labor Market
Information Office to conduct research and
analysis related to the child care industry.
new text end

new text begin (aa) $5,000,000 in the first year is for a grant
to the Bloomington Port Authority to provide
funding for the Expo 2027 host organization.
The Bloomington Port Authority must enter
into an agreement with the host organization
over the use of funds, which may be used for
activities, including but not limited to
finalizing the community dossier and staffing
the host organization as well as infrastructure
design and planning, financial modeling,
development planning and coordination of
both real estate and public private partnerships,
and reimbursement of the Bloomington Port
Authority for costs incurred. In selecting
vendors and exhibitors for Expo 2027, the host
organization shall prioritize outreach to,
collaboration with, and inclusion of businesses
that are majority owned by people of color,
women, and people with disabilities. The host
organization and the Bloomington Port
Authority may be reimbursed for expenses 90
days prior to encumbrance. This appropriation
is contingent on approval of the project by the
Bureau International des Expositions.
new text end

new text begin (bb) $500,000 each year is for grants to small
business development centers under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116J.68. Money made
available under this paragraph may be used to
match funds under the federal Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) program under
United States Code, title 15, section 648, to
provide consulting and technical services or
to build additional SBDC network capacity to
serve entrepreneurs and small businesses.
new text end

new text begin (cc) $1,500,000 each year is for deposit in the
community wealth-building account in the
special revenue fund. Of this amount, up to
five percent is for administration and
monitoring of the community wealth-building
grant program under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116J.9925.
new text end

new text begin (dd) $4,000,000 in the first year and
$1,000,000 in the second year are for grants
to the Neighborhood Development Center.
This is a onetime appropriation. Of these
amounts:
new text end

new text begin (1) $750,000 each year is for small business
programs, including training, lending, business
services, and real estate programming;
new text end

new text begin (2) $250,000 each year is for technical
assistance activities for partners located
outside the seven-county metropolitan area,
as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
473.121, subdivision 2;
new text end

new text begin (3) $1,000,000 in the first year is for
development of permanently affordable,
concentrated commercial space and
wraparound business services outside the
seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in
Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121,
subdivision 2; and
new text end

new text begin (4) $2,000,000 in the first year is for high-risk,
character-based loan capital for nonrecourse
loans to be used to leverage at least
$10,000,000 in recourse lending capital.
new text end

new text begin (ee)(1) $5,500,000 in the first year is for a
grant to the Center for Economic Inclusion for
strategic, data-informed investments in job
creation strategies that respond to the needs
of underserved populations statewide. This
may include pay-for-performance contracts
with nonprofit organizations to provide
outreach, training, and support services for
dislocated and chronically underemployed
people, as well as forgivable loans,
revenue-based financing, and equity
investments for entrepreneurs with barriers to
growth. Of this amount, up to ten percent may
be used for the center's technical assistance
and administrative costs. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (2) By January 15, 2026, the Center for
Economic Inclusion shall submit a report on
the use of grant funds, including any loans
made, to the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over economic development.
new text end

new text begin (ff) $4,000,000 in the first year is for the
Canadian border counties economic relief
program. Of this amount, $1,000,000 is for
Tribal economic development. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (gg) $10,000,000 in the first year is for the
targeted community capital project grant
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
116J.9924.
new text end

new text begin (hh) $13,550,000 in the first year is for deposit
in the emerging developer fund account in the
special revenue fund. Of this amount, up to
five percent is for the administration and
monitoring of the emerging developer fund
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
116J.9926.
new text end

new text begin (ii) $2,000,000 in the first year is for a grant
to African Economic Development Solutions
for a loan fund that must address pervasive
economic inequities by supporting business
ventures of entrepreneurs in the African
immigrant community. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin (jj) $500,000 each year is for grants to
Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., to directly invest
in Minnesota manufacturers for the small
business growth acceleration program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116O.115. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (kk)(1) $1,500,000 each year is for grants to
MNSBIR, Inc., to support moving scientific
excellence and technological innovation from
the lab to the market for start-ups and small
businesses by securing federal research and
development funding. The purpose of the grant
is to build a strong Minnesota economy and
stimulate the creation of novel products,
services, and solutions in the private sector;
strengthen the role of small business in
meeting federal research and development
needs; increase the commercial application of
federally supported research results; and
develop and increase the Minnesota
workforce, especially by fostering and
encouraging participation by small businesses
owned by women and people who are Black,
Indigenous, or people of color. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (2) MNSBIR, Inc., shall use the grant money
to be the dedicated resource for federal
research and development for small businesses
of up to 500 employees statewide to support
research and commercialization of novel ideas,
concepts, and projects into cutting-edge
products and services for worldwide economic
impact. MNSBIR, Inc., shall use grant money
to:
new text end

new text begin (i) assist small businesses in securing federal
research and development funding, including
the Small Business Innovation Research and
Small Business Technology Transfer programs
and other federal research and development
funding opportunities;
new text end

new text begin (ii) support technology transfer and
commercialization from the University of
Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, and federal
laboratories;
new text end

new text begin (iii) partner with large businesses;
new text end

new text begin (iv) conduct statewide outreach, education,
and training on federal rules, regulations, and
requirements;
new text end

new text begin (v) assist with scientific and technical writing;
new text end

new text begin (vi) help manage federal grants and contracts;
and
new text end

new text begin (vii) support cost accounting and sole-source
procurement opportunities.
new text end

new text begin (ll) $2,000,000 in the first year is for a grant
to African Career, Education, and Resource,
Inc., for operational infrastructure and
technical assistance to small businesses. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (mm) $4,000,000 in the first year is for a grant
to the African Development Center to provide
loans to purchase commercial real estate and
to expand organizational infrastructure. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2025.
Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $2,800,000 is for loans to purchase
commercial real estate targeted at African
immigrant small business owners;
new text end

new text begin (2) $364,000 is for loan loss reserves to
support loan volume growth and attract
additional capital; and
new text end

new text begin (3) $836,000 is for increasing organizational
capacity.
new text end

new text begin (nn)(1) $375,000 each year is for grants to
PFund Foundation to provide grants to
LGBTQ+-owned small businesses and
entrepreneurs. Of this amount, up to ten
percent may be used for PFund Foundation's
technical assistance and administrative costs.
This appropriation is onetime and is available
until June 30, 2026. To the extent practicable,
money must be distributed by PFund
Foundation as follows:
new text end

new text begin (i) at least 33.3 percent to racial
minority-owned businesses; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) at least 33.3 percent to businesses outside
of the seven-county metropolitan area as
defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
473.121, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (oo) $125,000 each year is for grants to
Quorum to provide business support, training,
development, technical assistance, and related
activities for LGBTQ+-owned small
businesses that are recipients of a PFund
Foundation grant. Of this amount, up to ten
percent may be used for Quorum's technical
assistance and administrative costs. This
appropriation is onetime and is available until
June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin (pp) $6,000,000 in the first year is for grants
to the Minnesota initiative foundations to
capitalize their revolving loan funds, which
address unmet financing needs of for-profit
business start-ups, expansions, and ownership
transitions; nonprofit organizations; and
developers of housing to support the
construction, rehabilitation, and conversion
of housing units. Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Southwest
Initiative Foundation;
new text end

new text begin (2) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the West
Central Initiative Foundation;
new text end

new text begin (3) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Southern
Minnesota Initiative Foundation;
new text end

new text begin (4) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Northwest
Minnesota Foundation;
new text end

new text begin (5) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Initiative
Foundation; and
new text end

new text begin (6) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Northland
Foundation.
new text end

new text begin (qq) $627,000 in the first year is for a grant to
Community and Economic Development
Associates (CEDA) to provide funding for
economic development technical assistance
and economic development project grants to
small communities across rural Minnesota and
for CEDA to design, implement, market, and
administer specific types of basic community
and economic development programs tailored
to individual community needs. Technical
assistance grants shall be based on need and
given to communities that are otherwise
unable to afford these services. Of this amount,
up to $270,000 may be used for economic
development project implementation in
conjunction with the technical assistance
received.
new text end

new text begin (rr) $3,000,000 in the first year is for a grant
to the Latino Economic Development Center.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2025. Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $1,500,000 is to assist, support, finance,
and launch microentrepreneurs by delivering
training, workshops, and one-on-one
consultations to businesses; and
new text end

new text begin (2) $1,500,000 is to guide prospective
entrepreneurs in their start-up process by
introducing them to key business concepts,
including business start-up readiness. Grant
proceeds must be used to offer workshops on
a variety of topics throughout the year,
including finance, customer service,
food-handler training, and food-safety
certification. Grant proceeds may also be used
to provide lending to business startups.
new text end

new text begin (ss)(1) $125,000 each year is for grants to the
Latino Chamber of Commerce Minnesota to
support the growth and expansion of small
businesses statewide. Funds may be used for
the cost of programming, outreach, staffing,
and supplies. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (2) By January 15, 2026, the Latino Chamber
of Commerce Minnesota must submit a report
to the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over economic development that details the
use of grant funds and the grant's economic
impact.
new text end

new text begin (tt)(1) $7,500,000 in the first year is for a grant
to the Metropolitan Economic Development
Association (MEDA) for statewide business
development and assistance services to
minority-owned businesses. Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (i) $5,000,000 is for a revolving loan fund to
provide additional minority-owned businesses
with access to capital; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) $2,500,000 is for operating support
activities related to business development and
assistance services for minority business
enterprises.
new text end

new text begin (2) By February 1, 2025, MEDA shall report
to the commissioner and the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over economic
development on the use of grant funds and
grant outcomes.
new text end

new text begin (uu) $175,000 in the first year is for a grant to
the city of South St. Paul for repurposing the
1927 American Legion Memorial Library after
the property is no longer used as a library. This
appropriation is available until the project is
completed or abandoned, subject to Minnesota
Statutes, section 16A.642.
new text end

new text begin (vv) $62,934,000 each year is for the
empowering enterprise program. This is a
onetime appropriation, of which:
new text end

new text begin (1) at least $31,000,000 each year is for a grant
to the city of Minneapolis;
new text end

new text begin (2) $11,000,000 each year is for a grant to the
city of St. Paul;
new text end

new text begin (3) $5,425,000 each year is for a grant to the
Northside Economic Opportunity Network;
new text end

new text begin (4) $5,425,000 each year is for a grant to the
Lake Street Council;
new text end

new text begin (5) $5,425,000 each year is for a grant to the
Midway Chamber of Commerce; and
new text end

new text begin (6) $250,000 each year is for a grant to the
Asian Economic Development Association.
new text end

new text begin (ww) $250,000 in the first year is for a grant
to LatinoLEAD for organizational
capacity-building.
new text end

new text begin (xx) $200,000 in the first year is for a grant to
the Neighborhood Development Center for
small business competitive grants to software
companies working to improve employee
engagement and workplace culture and to
reduce turnover.
new text end

new text begin (yy) $2,000,000 in the first year and
$1,000,000 in the second year are for grants
to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
This is a onetime appropriation. Of these
amounts:
new text end

new text begin (1) $200,000 in the first year and $100,000 in
the second year are for predevelopment grants
and technical assistance in support of real
estate development in areas negatively affected
by civil unrest; and
new text end

new text begin (2) $1,800,000 in the first year and $900,000
in the second year are for capitalizing a loan
program for the development and construction
of commercial and residential projects in areas
negatively affected by civil unrest. A priority
for use of these funds shall be participants in
programs for emerging developers.
new text end

new text begin (zz) $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is for a
grant to WomenVenture to support child care
providers through business training and shared
services programs and to create materials that
could be used, free of charge, for start-up,
expansion, and operation of child care
businesses statewide, with the goal of helping
new and existing child care businesses in
underserved areas of the state become
profitable and sustainable. The commissioner
shall report data on outcomes and
recommendations for replication of this
training program throughout Minnesota to the
governor and relevant committees of the
legislature by December 15, 2025. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 20, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (aaa) $75,000,000 in the first year is for
transfer to the state competitiveness fund
account for the purposes of Minnesota
Statutes, section 216C.391.
new text end

new text begin (bbb) $25,000,000 in the first year is for
transfer to the climate innovation finance
authority account for the purposes of
Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.441.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Employment and Training Programs new text end

new text begin 102,548,000 new text end

new text begin 102,448,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 86,718,000 new text end	new text begin 87,318,000 new text end
new text begin Workforce Development new text end	new text begin 15,830,000 new text end	new text begin 15,130,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $500,000 each year from the general fund
and $500,000 each year from the workforce
development fund are for rural career
counseling coordinators in the workforce
service areas and for the purposes specified
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.667.
new text end

new text begin (b) $750,000 each year is for the women and
high-wage, high-demand, nontraditional jobs
grant program under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116L.99. Of this amount, up to five
percent is for administration and monitoring
of the program. Beginning in fiscal year 2026,
the base amount is $168,000 from the general
fund and $582,000 from the workforce
development fund.
new text end

new text begin (c) $2,546,000 each year from the general fund
and $4,604,000 each year from the workforce
development fund are for the pathways to
prosperity competitive grant program. Of this
amount, up to five percent is for administration
and monitoring of the program. Beginning in
fiscal year 2026, the base amount is $0 from
the general fund and $7,150,000 from the
workforce development fund.
new text end

new text begin (d) $500,000 each year is from the workforce
development fund for current Minnesota
affiliates of OIC of America, Inc. This
appropriation shall be divided equally among
the eligible centers.
new text end

new text begin (e) $1,000,000 each year is for competitive
grants to organizations providing services to
relieve economic disparities in the Southeast
Asian community through workforce
recruitment, development, job creation,
assistance of smaller organizations to increase
capacity, and outreach. Of this amount, up to
five percent is for administration and
monitoring of the program. Beginning in fiscal
year 2026, the base amount is $0 from the
general fund and $1,000,000 from the
workforce development fund.
new text end

new text begin (f) $1,000,000 each year is for a competitive
grant program to provide grants to
organizations that provide support services for
individuals, such as job training, employment
preparation, internships, job assistance to
parents, financial literacy, academic and
behavioral interventions for low-performing
students, and youth intervention. Grants made
under this section must focus on low-income
communities, young adults from families with
a history of intergenerational poverty, and
communities of color. Of this amount, up to
five percent is for administration and
monitoring of the program.
new text end

new text begin (g) $1,750,000 each year is for a grant to
Propel Nonprofits to provide capacity-building
grants and related technical assistance to small,
culturally specific organizations that primarily
serve historically underserved cultural
communities. Propel Nonprofits may only
award grants to nonprofit organizations that
have an annual organizational budget of less
than $1,000,000. These grants may be used
for:
new text end

new text begin (1) organizational infrastructure
improvements, including developing database
management systems and financial systems,
or other administrative needs that increase the
organization's ability to access new funding
sources;
new text end

new text begin (2) organizational workforce development,
including hiring culturally competent staff,
training and skills development, and other
methods of increasing staff capacity; or
new text end

new text begin (3) creating or expanding partnerships with
existing organizations that have specialized
expertise in order to increase capacity of the
grantee organization to improve services to
the community.
new text end

new text begin Of this amount, up to ten percent may be used
by Propel Nonprofits for administrative costs.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (h) $4,102,000 each year from the general fund
and $4,476,000 each year from the workforce
development fund are for the youth-at-work
competitive grant program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116L.562. Of this amount,
up to five percent is for administration and
monitoring of the youth workforce
development competitive grant program. All
grant awards shall be for two consecutive
years. Grants shall be awarded in the first year.
In fiscal year 2026 and beyond, the base
amount from the general fund is $750,000.
new text end

new text begin (i) $1,093,000 each year from the general fund
and $1,000,000 each year from the workforce
development fund are for the youthbuild
program under Minnesota Statutes, sections
116L.361 to 116L.366. In fiscal year 2026 and
beyond, the base amount from the general fund
is $0.
new text end

new text begin (j) $4,427,000 each year from the general fund
and $4,050,000 each year from the workforce
development fund are for the Minnesota youth
program under Minnesota Statutes, sections
116L.56 and 116L.561. In fiscal year 2026
and beyond, the base amount from the general
fund is $0.
new text end

new text begin (k) $1,000,000 each year is for a grant to the
Minnesota Technology Association to support
the SciTech Internship Program, a program
that supports science, technology, engineering,
and math (STEM) internship opportunities for
two- and four-year college students and
graduate students in their fields of study. The
internship opportunities must match students
with paid internships within STEM disciplines
at small, for-profit companies located in
Minnesota having fewer than 250 employees
worldwide. At least 250 students must be
matched each year. No more than 15 percent
of the hires may be graduate students. Selected
hiring companies shall receive from the grant
50 percent of the wages paid to the intern,
capped at $3,000 per intern. The program must
work toward increasing the participation
among women or other underserved
populations. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (l) $7,500,000 each year is for the Drive for
Five Initiative to conduct outreach and provide
job skills training, career counseling, case
management, and supportive services for
careers in (1) technology, (2) labor, (3) the
caring professions, (4) manufacturing, and (5)
educational and professional services. These
are onetime appropriations.
new text end

new text begin (m) Of the amounts appropriated in paragraph
(l), the commissioner must make $5,000,000
each year available through a competitive
request for proposal process. The grant awards
must be used to provide education and training
in the five industries identified in paragraph
(l). Education and training may include:
new text end

new text begin (1) student tutoring and testing support
services;
new text end

new text begin (2) training and employment placement in high
wage and high growth employment;
new text end

new text begin (3) assistance in obtaining industry-specific
certifications;
new text end

new text begin (4) remedial training leading to enrollment;
new text end

new text begin (5) real-time work experience in information;
new text end

new text begin (6) career and educational counseling;
new text end

new text begin (7) work experience and internships; and
new text end

new text begin (8) supportive services.
new text end

new text begin (n) Of the amount appropriated in paragraph
(l), $1,625,000 each year must be awarded
through competitive grants made to trade
associations or chambers of commerce for job
placement services. Grant awards must be used
to encourage workforce training efforts to
ensure that efforts are aligned with employer
demands and that graduates are connected with
employers that are hiring. Trade associations
or chambers must partner with employers with
current or anticipated employment
opportunities and nonprofit workforce training
partners participating in this program. The
trade associations or chambers must work
closely with the industry sector training
providers in the five industries identified in
paragraph (l). Grant awards may be used for:
new text end

new text begin (1) employer engagement strategies to align
employment opportunities for individuals
exiting workforce development training
programs. These strategies may include
business recruitment, job opening
development, employee recruitment, and job
matching. Trade associations must utilize the
state's labor exchange system;
new text end

new text begin (2) diversity, inclusion, and retention training
for members to increase the business
understanding of welcoming and retaining a
diverse workforce; and
new text end

new text begin (3) industry-specific training.
new text end

new text begin (o) Of the amount appropriated in paragraph
(l), $875,000 each year is to hire, train, and
deploy business services representatives in
local workforce development areas throughout
the state. Business services representatives
must work with an assigned local workforce
development area to address the hiring needs
of Minnesota's businesses by connecting job
seekers and program participants in the
CareerForce system. Business services
representatives serve in the classified service
of the state and operate as part of the agency's
Employment and Training Office. The
commissioner shall develop and implement
training materials and reporting and evaluation
procedures for the activities of the business
services representatives. The business services
representatives must:
new text end

new text begin (1) serve as the primary contact for businesses
in that area;
new text end

new text begin (2) actively engage employers by assisting
with matching employers to job seekers by
referring candidates, convening job fairs, and
assisting with job announcements; and
new text end

new text begin (3) work with the local area board and the
board's partners to identify candidates for
openings in small and midsize companies in
the local area.
new text end

new text begin (p) $30,000,000 each year is for the targeted
population workforce grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116L.43. The department
may use up to ten percent of this appropriation
for administration, monitoring, and oversight
of the program. Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $22,000,000 each year is for job and
entrepreneurial skills training grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.43,
subdivision 2;
new text end

new text begin (2) $2,000,000 each year is for diversity and
inclusion training for small employers under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.43,
subdivision 3; and
new text end

new text begin (3) $6,000,000 each year is for capacity
building grants under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116L.43, subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the base amount
is $2,500,000.
new text end

new text begin (q) $1,500,000 each year is to establish an
Office of New Americans. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (r) $400,000 each year is for a grant to the
nonprofit 30,000 Feet to fund youth
apprenticeship jobs, wraparound services,
after-school programming, and summer
learning loss prevention targeted at African
American youth. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (s) $700,000 each year is for a grant to Avivo
to provide low-income individuals with career
education and job skills training that is fully
integrated with chemical and mental health
services. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (t)(1) $450,000 each year is for a grant to
Better Futures Minnesota to provide job skills
training to individuals who have been released
from incarceration for a felony-level offense
and are no more than 12 months from the date
of release. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (2) Better Futures Minnesota shall annually
report to the commissioner on how the money
was spent and what results were achieved. The
report must include, at a minimum,
information and data about the number of
participants; participant homelessness,
employment, recidivism, and child support
compliance; and job skills training provided
to program participants.
new text end

new text begin (u) $600,000 each year is for a grant to East
Side Neighborhood Services. This is a onetime
appropriation of which:
new text end

new text begin (1) $300,000 each year is for the senior
community service employment program,
which provides work readiness training to
low-income adults ages 55 and older to
provide ongoing support and mentoring
services to the program participants as well as
the transition period from subsidized wages
to unsubsidized wages; and
new text end

new text begin (2) $300,000 each year is for the nursing
assistant plus program to serve the increased
need for growth of medical talent pipelines
through expansion of the existing program and
development of in-house training.
new text end

new text begin The amounts specified in clauses (1) and (2)
may also be used to enhance employment
programming for youth and young adults, ages
14 to 24, to introduce them to work culture,
develop essential work readiness skills, and
make career plans through paid internship
experiences and work readiness training.
new text end

new text begin (v) $250,000 each year is for Minnesota
Family Resiliency Partnership programs under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.96. The
commissioner, through the adult career
pathways program, shall distribute the money
to existing nonprofit and state displaced
homemaker programs. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (w) $550,000 each year is for a grant to the
International Institute of Minnesota for
workforce training for new Americans in
industries in need of a trained workforce. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (x) $1,500,000 each year is for a grant to
Summit Academy OIC to expand employment
placement, GED preparation and
administration, and STEM programming in
the Twin Cities, Saint Cloud, and Bemidji.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (y) $500,000 each year is for a grant to Big
Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities
to provide disadvantaged youth ages 12 to 21
with job-seeking skills, connections to job
training and education opportunities, and
mentorship while exploring careers. The grant
must serve youth in the Big Brothers Big
Sisters chapters in the Twin Cities, central
Minnesota, and southern Minnesota. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (z) $400,000 each year is for a grant to the
White Bear Center for the Arts for establishing
a paid internship program for high school
students to learn professional development
skills through an arts perspective. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (aa) $750,000 each year is for a grant to
Bridges to Healthcare to provide career
education, wraparound support services, and
job skills training in high-demand health care
fields to low-income parents, nonnative
speakers of English, and other hard-to-train
individuals, and to help families build secure
pathways out of poverty and address worker
shortages in one of Minnesota's most
innovative industries. Money may be used for
program expenses, including but not limited
to hiring instructors and navigators; space
rental; and supportive services to help
participants attend classes, including assistance
with course fees, child care, transportation,
and safe and stable housing. Up to five percent
of grant money may be used for Bridges to
Healthcare's administrative costs. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (bb) $400,000 each year is for a grant to Hired
to expand their career pathway job training
and placement program that connects
lower-skilled job seekers to entry-level and
gateway jobs in high-growth sectors. This is
a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (cc) $1,000,000 each year is for a grant to the
Minnesota Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs
to administer a statewide project of youth job
skills and career development. This project,
which may have career guidance components
including health and life skills, must be
designed to encourage, train, and assist youth
in early access to education and job-seeking
skills; work-based learning experience,
including career pathways in STEM learning,
career exploration, and matching; and first job
placement through local community
partnerships and on-site job opportunities. This
grant requires a 25 percent match from
nonstate sources. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (dd) $300,000 each year is for a grant to
Southeast Minnesota Workforce Development
Area 8 and Workforce Development, Inc., to
provide career planning, career pathway
training and education, wraparound support
services, and job skills advancement in
high-demand careers to individuals with
barriers to employment in Steele County, and
to help families build secure pathways out of
poverty and address worker shortages in the
Owatonna and Steele County area, as well as
supporting Employer Outreach Services that
provide solutions to workforce challenges and
direct connections to workforce programming.
Money may be used for program expenses,
including but not limited to hiring instructors
and navigators; space rental; and supportive
services to help participants attend classes,
including assistance with course fees, child
care, transportation, and safe and stable
housing. Up to five percent of grant money
may be used for Workforce Development,
Inc.'s administrative costs. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2025.
new text end

new text begin (ee) $1,250,000 each year is for a grant to
Ujamaa Place to assist primarily African
American men with job training, employment
preparation, internships, education, vocational
housing, and organizational capacity building.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (ff) $500,000 each year is for grants to
Minnesota Diversified Industries, Inc., to
provide inclusive employment opportunities
and services for people with disabilities. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (gg) $1,000,000 each year is for performance
grants under Minnesota Statutes, section
116J.8747, to Twin Cities R!SE to provide
training to individuals facing barriers to
employment. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin (hh) $500,000 each year is for the getting to
work grant program under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116J.545. Of this amount, up to five
percent is for administration and monitoring
of the program. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (ii) $400,000 the first year is for a grant to the
ProStart and Hospitality Tourism Management
Program for a well-established, proven, and
successful education program that helps young
people advance careers in the hospitality
industry and addresses critical long-term
workforce shortages in the tourism industry.
new text end

new text begin (jj) $1,500,000 each year is for a grant to
Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio -
Latino Communities United in Service
(CLUES) to address employment, economic,
and technology access disparities for
low-income, unemployed, or underemployed
individuals. Money must be used to support
short-term certifications and transferable skills
in high-demand fields, workforce readiness,
customized financial capability, and
employment supports. At least 50 percent of
this amount must be used for programming
targeted at greater Minnesota. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (kk) $500,000 each year is for a grant to the
American Indian Opportunities and
Industrialization Center for workforce
development programming, including reducing
academic disparities for American Indian
students and adults. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (ll) $300,000 each year is for a grant to YMCA
of the North to provide career exploration, job
training, and workforce development services
for underserved youth and young adults. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (mm) $750,000 each year is for grants to the
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's Teen
Teamworks youth employment and training
programs. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available in either year of the biennium and
is available until spent.
new text end

new text begin (nn) $700,000 each year is for grants to
support competitive robotics teams that
prepare youth for careers in STEM fields, by
creating internships for high school students
to work at private companies in STEM fields,
including the payment of student stipends.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (oo) $1,000,000 in the first year and
$2,000,000 in the second year are for a clean
economy equitable workforce grant program.
Money must be used for grants to support
partnership development, planning, and
implementation of workforce readiness
programs aimed at workers who are Black,
Indigenous, and People of Color. Programs
may include workforce training, career
development, workers' rights training,
employment placement, and culturally
appropriate job readiness and must prepare
workers for careers in the high-demand fields
of construction, clean energy, and energy
efficiency. Grants must be given to nonprofit
organizations that serve historically
disenfranchised communities, including new
Americans, with preference for organizations
that are new providers of workforce
programming or which have partnership
agreements with registered apprenticeship
programs. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (pp) $500,000 each year is for a grant to
Emerge Community Development to support
and reinforce critical workforce training at the
Emerge Career and Technical Center,
Cedar-Riverside Opportunity Center, and
Emerge Second Chance programs in
Minneapolis. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (qq) $500,000 each year is for a grant to
Project for Pride in Living to provide job
training and workforce development services
for underserved communities. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (rr) $500,000 each year is for a grant to
Pillsbury United Communities to provide job
training and workforce development services
for underserved communities. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (ss) $1,000,000 each year is for a grant to the
Redemption Project to provide employment
services to adults leaving incarceration,
including recruiting, educating, training, and
retaining employment mentors and partners.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (tt) $350,000 each year is for a grant to the
YWCA of Minneapolis to provide training to
eligible individuals, including job skills
training, career counseling, and job placement
assistance necessary to secure a child
development associate credential and to have
a career path in early childhood education.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (uu) $500,000 each year is for a grant to
Greater Twin Cities United Way to make
grants to partner organizations to provide
workforce training using the career pathways
model that helps students gain work
experience, earn experience in high-demand
fields, and transition into family-sustaining
careers. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (vv) $1,500,000 each year is for a grant to the
nonprofit Sanneh Foundation to fund
out-of-school summer programs focused on
mentoring and behavioral, social, and
emotional learning interventions and
enrichment activities directed toward
low-income students of color. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
spent.
new text end

new text begin (ww) $3,000,000 each year is for a grant to
Youthprise to provide economic development
services designed to enhance long-term
economic self-sufficiency in communities with
concentrated African populations statewide.
Of these amounts, 50 percent is for subgrants
to Ka Joog and 50 percent is for competitive
subgrants to community organizations. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (xx) $1,000,000 each year is for performance
grants under Minnesota Statutes, section
116J.8747, to Goodwill-Easter Seals
Minnesota and its partners. The grant shall be
used to continue the FATHER Project in
Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul, Minneapolis,
and the surrounding areas to assist fathers in
overcoming barriers that prevent fathers from
supporting their children economically and
emotionally, including with community
re-entry following confinement. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (yy) $1,000,000 each year is for a grant to the
Hmong American Partnership to expand job
training and placement programs primarily
serving the Southeast Asian community. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (zz) $400,000 each year is for a grant to
Project Restore Minnesota for the Social
Kitchen project, a pathway program for careers
in the culinary arts. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (aaa) $1,000,000 each year is for competitive
grants to organizations providing services to
relieve economic disparities in the African
immigrant community through workforce
recruitment, development, job creation,
assistance of smaller organizations to increase
capacity, and outreach. Of this amount, up to
five percent is for administration and
monitoring of the program. Beginning in fiscal
year 2026, the base amount is $200,000.
new text end

new text begin (bbb) $500,000 each year is for a grant to the
Hmong Chamber of Commerce to train
ethnically Southeast Asian business owners
and operators in better business practices. Of
this amount, up to $5,000 may be used for
administrative costs. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (ccc) $100,000 each year is for grants to the
Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation
for Carts to Careers, a statewide initiative to
promote careers, conduct outreach, provide
job skills training, and award scholarships for
students pursuing careers in the food industry.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (ddd) $500,000 each year is for a grant to
Minnesota Independence College and
Community to provide employment
preparation, job placement, job retention, and
service coordination services to adults with
autism and learning differences. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (eee) $500,000 each year is for a grant to
Ramsey County to provide job training and
workforce development for underserved
communities. Grant money may be subgranted
to Milestone Community Development for the
Milestone Tech program. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (fff) $500,000 each year is for a grant to
Ramsey County for a technology training
pathway program focused on intergenerational
community tech work for residents who are
at least 18 years old and no more than 24 years
old and who live in a census tract that has a
poverty rate of at least 20 percent as reported
in the most recently completed decennial
census published by the United States Bureau
of the Census. Grant money may be used for
program administration, training, training
stipends, wages, and support services. This is
a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (ggg) $700,000 in the first year is from the
workforce development fund for a grant to the
Southwest Initiative Foundation for the
southwestern Minnesota workforce
development scholarship pilot program. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin General Support Services new text end

new text begin 17,505,000 new text end

new text begin 7,505,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin General Fund new text end	new text begin 17,450,000 new text end	new text begin 7,450,000 new text end
new text begin Workforce Development new text end	new text begin 55,000 new text end	new text begin 55,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,269,000 each year is for transfer to the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for
operating the Olmstead Compliance Office.
new text end

new text begin (b) $10,000,000 in the first year is for the
workforce digital transformation projects. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Minnesota Trade Office new text end

new text begin $2,242,000 new text end

new text begin $2,242,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $300,000 each year is for the STEP grants
in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.979.
new text end

new text begin (b) $180,000 each year is for the Invest
Minnesota marketing initiative under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.9781.
new text end

new text begin (c) $270,000 each year is for the Minnesota
Trade Offices under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116J.978.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Vocational Rehabilitation new text end

new text begin 42,341,000 new text end

new text begin 42,341,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 34,511,000 new text end	new text begin 34,511,000 new text end
new text begin Workforce Development new text end	new text begin 7,830,000 new text end	new text begin 7,830,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $14,300,000 each year is for the state's
vocational rehabilitation program under
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268A.
new text end

new text begin (b) $11,495,000 each year from the general
fund and $6,830,000 each year from the
workforce development fund are for extended
employment services for persons with severe
disabilities under Minnesota Statutes, section
268A.15. Of the amounts appropriated from
the general fund, $4,500,000 each year is for
new rate increases and maintaining prior rate
increases to providers of extended employment
services.
new text end

new text begin (c) $4,805,000 each year is for grants to
programs that provide employment support
services to persons with mental illness under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 268A.13 and
268A.14. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the
base amount is $2,555,000.
new text end

new text begin (d) $3,911,000 each year is for grants to
centers for independent living under
Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.11.
Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the base amount
is $3,011,000.
new text end

new text begin (e) $1,000,000 each year is from the workforce
development fund for grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 268A.16, for employment
services for persons, including transition-age
youth, who are deaf, deafblind, or
hard-of-hearing. If the amount in the first year
is insufficient, the amount in the second year
is available in the first year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Services for the Blind new text end

new text begin 11,425,000 new text end

new text begin 11,425,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $500,000 each year is for senior citizens
who are becoming blind. At least one-half of
the money for this purpose must be used to
provide training services for seniors who are
becoming blind. Training services must
provide independent living skills to seniors
who are becoming blind to allow them to
continue to live independently in their homes.
new text end

new text begin (b) $2,500,000 each year is for the employer
reasonable accommodation fund. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin EXPLORE MINNESOTA TOURISM new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 26,307,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 21,169,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $500,000 each year must be matched from
nonstate sources to develop maximum private
sector involvement in tourism. Each $1 of state
incentive must be matched with $6 of private
sector money. "Matched" means revenue to
the state or documented in-kind, soft match,
or cash expenditures directly expended to
support Explore Minnesota Tourism under
section 116U.05. The incentive in fiscal year
2024 is based on fiscal year 2023 private
sector contributions. The incentive in fiscal
year 2025 is based on fiscal year 2024 private
sector contributions. This incentive is ongoing.
new text end

new text begin (b) $5,900,000 each year is for the
development of new initiatives for Explore
Minnesota Tourism. This is a onetime
appropriation and of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $3,000,000 each year is for competitive
grants for large-scale sporting and other major
events;
new text end

new text begin (2) $1,100,000 each year is for grants to
Minnesota's 11 Tribal Nations to promote and
support new tourism opportunities for Tribal
Nations;
new text end

new text begin (3) $1,000,000 each year is to expand
diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
through tourism marketing;
new text end

new text begin (4) $625,000 each year is for the tourism and
hospitality industry and the Governor's Opener
events;
new text end

new text begin (5) $88,000 each year is to develop new
resources and increase engagement for the
tourism industry; and
new text end

new text begin (6) $87,000 each year is to develop a
long-term sustainability plan for tourism.
new text end

new text begin (c)(1) $2,000,000 in the first year is for a
tourism industry recovery grant program to
provide grants to organizations, Tribal
governments, underserved community groups,
and communities to accelerate the recovery of
the state's tourism industry, with preference
for applicants who have not previously
received grants. Grant money may be used to
support meetings, conventions and group
business, multicommunity and high-visibility
events, and tourism marketing. Explore
Minnesota Tourism must accept grant
applications for at least five business days
beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the first business
day and, if total applications exceed
$10,000,000, the grants must be awarded to
eligible applicants at random until the funding
is exhausted. Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (i) at least 25 percent must go to groups in
Hennepin and Ramsey counties;
new text end

new text begin (ii) at least 25 percent must go to groups in
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott, and Washington
counties;
new text end

new text begin (iii) at least 25 percent must go to groups
outside of the metropolitan area, as defined
under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121,
subdivision 2;
new text end

new text begin (iv) at least 25 percent must be distributed as
small grants of no more than $10,000 each for
tourism promotional activities; and
new text end

new text begin (v) up to three percent may be used for
program administration, including promotional
activities and reporting.
new text end

new text begin (2) Explore Minnesota Tourism must submit
a preliminary report by November 1, 2023,
and a final report by January 1, 2025, to the
legislative committees with jurisdiction over
tourism that detail the use of grant funds.
new text end

new text begin (d) Money for marketing grants is available
either year of the biennium. Unexpended grant
money from the first year is available in the
second year.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 3,500,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 3,500,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $2,250,000 each year is for contracts with
Minnesota's institutions of higher education
to provide instruction to incarcerated
individuals in state correctional facilities and
to support partnerships with public and private
employers, trades programs, and community
colleges in providing employment
opportunities for individuals after
incarceration. Funding must be used for
contracts with institutions of higher education
and other training providers and associated
re-entry and operational support services
provided by the agency. Beginning in fiscal
year 2026, the base amount is $200,000.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,250,000 each year is to expand the use
of the existing work release program at the
Department of Corrections to increase the
availability of educational programming for
incarcerated individuals who are eligible and
approved for work release. Beginning in fiscal
year 2026, the base amount is $100,000.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

GRANTS MANAGEMENT

Section 1. new text begin FINANCIAL REVIEW OF NONPROFIT GRANT RECIPIENTS
REQUIRED.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Financial review required. new text end

new text begin (a) Before awarding a competitive,
legislatively named, single-source, or sole-source grant to a nonprofit organization under
this act, the grantor must require the applicant to submit financial information sufficient for
the grantor to document and assess the applicant's current financial standing and management.
Items of significant concern must be addressed with the applicant and resolved to the
satisfaction of the grantor before a grant is awarded. The grantor must document the material
requested and reviewed; whether the applicant had a significant operating deficit, a deficit
in unrestricted net assets, or insufficient internal controls; whether and how the applicant
resolved the grantor's concerns; and the grantor's final decision. This documentation must
be maintained in the grantor's files.
new text end

new text begin (b) At a minimum, the grantor must require each applicant to provide the following
information:
new text end

new text begin (1) the applicant's most recent Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N filed with the
Internal Revenue Service. If the applicant has not been in existence long enough or is not
required to file Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N, the applicant must demonstrate
to the grantor that the applicant is exempt and must instead submit documentation of internal
controls and the applicant's most recent financial statement prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and approved by the applicant's board of directors
or trustees or, if there is no such board, by the applicant's managing group;
new text end

new text begin (2) evidence of registration and good standing with the secretary of state under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 317A, or other applicable law;
new text end

new text begin (3) unless exempt under Minnesota Statutes, section 309.515, evidence of registration
and good standing with the attorney general under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 309; and
new text end

new text begin (4) if required under Minnesota Statutes, section 309.53, subdivision 3, the applicant's
most recent audited financial statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Authority to postpone or forgo; reporting required. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding
any contrary provision in this act, a grantor that identifies an area of significant concern
regarding the financial standing or management of a legislatively named applicant may
postpone or forgo awarding the grant.
new text end

new text begin (b) No later than 30 days after a grantor exercises the authority provided under paragraph
(a), the grantor must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over the grantor's operating budget. The report must identify
the legislatively named applicant and the grantor's reason for postponing or forgoing the
grant.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Authority to award subject to additional assistance and oversight. new text end

new text begin A grantor
that identifies an area of significant concern regarding an applicant's financial standing or
management may award a grant to the applicant if the grantor provides or the grantee
otherwise obtains additional technical assistance, as needed, and the grantor imposes
additional requirements in the grant agreement. Additional requirements may include but
are not limited to enhanced monitoring, additional reporting, or other reasonable requirements
imposed by the grantor to protect the interests of the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Relation to other law and policy. new text end

new text begin The requirements in this section are in
addition to any other requirements imposed by law; the commissioner of administration
under Minnesota Statutes, sections 16B.97 and 16B.98; or agency policy.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin REPORT REQUIREMENT.
new text end

new text begin All grant recipients under article 1 not already subject to a reporting requirement must,
by January 15 following the end of any fiscal year in which the recipient receives funding,
submit a report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the grant and as required
by Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195, that outlines the use of grant funds and outcomes
achieved with that funding, including all the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) the nature of the grant;
new text end

new text begin (2) an accounting of the dollars spent;
new text end

new text begin (3) the number of jobs created;
new text end

new text begin (4) the number of businesses established;
new text end

new text begin (5) an accounting statement using generally accepted accounting principles; and
new text end

new text begin (6) the grant objectives met with the funding.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Section 1.

new text begin [116J.418] OFFICE OF CHILD CARE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in this
subdivision have the meanings given them.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Child care" means the care of children while parents or guardians are at work or
absent for another reason.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Local unit of government" has the meaning given in section 116G.03, subdivision
3.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Office" means the Office of Child Care Community Partnerships established in
subdivision 2, paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Office established; purpose. new text end

new text begin (a) An Office of Child Care Community
Partnerships is established within the Department of Employment and Economic
Development. The department may employ a director and staff necessary to carry out the
office's duties under subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin (b) The purpose of the office is to support child care businesses within the state in order
to:
new text end

new text begin (1) increase the quantity of quality child care available; and
new text end

new text begin (2) improve accessibility to child care for underserved communities and populations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Organization. new text end

new text begin The office shall consist of a director of the Office of Child Care
Community Partnerships, as well as any staff necessary to carry out the office's duties under
subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The office shall have the power and duty to:
new text end

new text begin (1) coordinate with state, regional, local, and private entities to promote investment in
increasing the quantity of quality child care in Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (2) coordinate with other agencies including but not limited to Minnesota Management
and Budget, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Education to develop,
recommend, and implement solutions to increase the quantity of quality child care openings;
new text end

new text begin (3) administer the child care economic development grant program and other
appropriations to the department for this purpose;
new text end

new text begin (4) monitor the child care business development efforts of other states and countries;
new text end

new text begin (5) provide support to the governor's Children's Cabinet;
new text end

new text begin (6) provide an annual report, as required by subdivision 5; and
new text end

new text begin (7) perform any other activities consistent with the office's purpose.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin (a) Beginning January 15, 2024, and each year thereafter, the Office
of Child Care Community Partnerships shall report to the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over child care policy and finance on the office's activities during the previous
year.
new text end

new text begin (b) The report shall contain, at a minimum:
new text end

new text begin (1) an analysis of the current access to child care within the state;
new text end

new text begin (2) an analysis of the current shortage of child care workers within the state;
new text end

new text begin (3) a summary of the office's activities;
new text end

new text begin (4) any proposed legislative and policy initiatives; and
new text end

new text begin (5) any other information requested by the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
child care, or that the office deems necessary.
new text end

new text begin (c) The report may be submitted electronically and is subject to section 3.195, subdivision
1.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [116J.681] SMALL BUSINESS NAVIGATORS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Small business" has the meaning given in section 645.445.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Underserved" means Black, Indigenous, people of color, veterans, people with
disabilities, rural Minnesotans, and low-income individuals.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Generally. new text end

new text begin Small business navigators must work with small businesses and
entrepreneurs to help navigate state programs, as well as programs managed by
nongovernmental partners and other public and private organizations. The purpose of small
business navigators is to connect small businesses and entrepreneurs with the services needed
to be successful.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Staffing. new text end

new text begin Staff of small business navigators serve in the classified service of
the state and operate as part of the department's Small Business Assistance Office.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall develop and implement training
materials and reporting and evaluation procedures for the activities of small business
navigators.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin Small business navigators shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) provide information and direction to small businesses and entrepreneurs in a timely,
accurate, and comprehensive manner, connecting them with appropriate assistance services
from the state and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations;
new text end

new text begin (2) build relationships with and provide targeted outreach to historically underserved
populations and communities;
new text end

new text begin (3) provide for the delivery of information and assistance, including but not limited to
the use of media, in a culturally appropriate manner that accommodates businesses and
entrepreneurs with limited English proficiency;
new text end

new text begin (4) ensure the availability of small business navigators and materials in all media to
persons with physical disabilities; and
new text end

new text begin (5) coordinate with and augment the services and outreach of the agency's Small Business
Assistance Office, Small Business Development Center, Office of Small Business
Partnerships, and Launch Minnesota.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.871, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given them.

(b) "Economic development" means financial assistance provided to a person directly
or to a local unit of government or nonprofit organization on behalf of a person who is
engaged in the manufacture or sale of goods and services. Economic development does not
include (1) financial assistance for rehabilitation of existing housing deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin , new text end (2) financial
assistance for new housing construction in which total financial assistance at a single project
site is less than $100,000 new text begin , or (3) financial assistance for detached single-family affordable
homeownership units in which the single project site consists of fewer than five units new text end .

(c) "Financial assistance" means (1) a grant awarded by a state agency for economic
development related purposes if a single business receives $200,000 or more of the grant
proceeds; (2) a loan or the guaranty or purchase of a loan made by a state agency for
economic development related purposes if a single business receives $500,000 or more of
the loan proceeds; or (3) a reduction, credit, or abatement of a tax assessed under chapter
297A where the tax reduction, credit, or abatement applies to a geographic area smaller
than the entire state and was granted for economic development related purposes. Financial
assistance does not include payments by the state of aids and credits under chapter 273 or
477A to a political subdivision.

(d) "Project site" means the location where improvements are made that are financed in
whole or in part by the financial assistance; or the location of employees that receive financial
assistance in the form of employment and training services as defined in section 116L.19,
subdivision 4, or customized training from a technical college.

(e) "State agency" means any agency defined under section 16B.01, subdivision 2,
Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.871, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Prevailing wage required.

new text begin (a) new text end A state agency may provide financial assistance
to a person only if the person receiving or benefiting from the financial assistance certifies
to the commissioner of labor and industry that laborers and mechanics at the project site
during construction, installation, remodeling, and repairs for which the financial assistance
was provided will be paid the prevailing wage rate as defined in section 177.42, subdivision
6 new text begin , and be subject to the requirements and enforcement provisions of sections 177.27, 177.30,
177.32, 177.41 to 177.435, and 177.45 new text end .

new text begin (b) For the purposes of a person subject to paragraph (a) who is required to comply with
section 177.30, paragraph (a), clauses (6) and (7), the state agency awarding the financial
assistance is considered the contracting authority and the project is considered a public
works project. The person receiving or benefiting from the financial assistance shall notify
all employers on the project of the record keeping and reporting requirements of section
177.30, paragraph (a), clauses (6) and (7). Each employer shall submit the required
information to the contracting authority.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [116J.8746] SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Eligible business" means an entity that:
new text end

new text begin (1) is a business, commercial cooperative, employee-owned business, or commercial
land trust; and
new text end

new text begin (2) is either:
new text end

new text begin (i) located in greater Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (ii) in the field of high technology; or
new text end

new text begin (iii) at least 51 percent owned by people who are either:
new text end

new text begin (A) Black, indigenous, or people of color;
new text end

new text begin (B) women;
new text end

new text begin (C) immigrants;
new text end

new text begin (D) veterans;
new text end

new text begin (E) people with disabilities;
new text end

new text begin (F) low-income; or
new text end

new text begin (G) LGBTQ+.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Program" means the small business partnership program established in this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic development
shall establish a small business partnership program to make statewide grants to local and
regional community-based nonprofit organizations to support the start-up, growth, and
success of eligible businesses through the delivery of high-quality free or low-cost
professional business development and technical assistance services.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grants to nonprofits. new text end

new text begin (a) Nonprofit organizations shall apply for grants using
a competitive process established by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) All grants shall be made in the first year of the biennium and shall be for two years.
new text end

new text begin (c) Up to ten percent of the grant amount may be used by the nonprofit for administrative
expenses.
new text end

new text begin (d) Preference shall be given to applications from nonprofits that can demonstrate a
record of successful outcomes serving historically underserved communities or increasing
the upward economic mobility of clients.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Administration. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may use up to five percent of program
funds for administering and monitoring the program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin (a) Grant recipients shall report to the commissioner each year they
receive grant funds. This report shall detail the use of grant funds and shall include data on
the number of individuals served and other measures of program impact, along with any
other information requested by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) By January 15, 2025, and by January 15 each odd-numbered year thereafter, the
commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over business
development that details the use of program funds and the program's impact. This report is
in addition to the reporting required under section 3.195.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.8748, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Minnesota job creation fund business designation; requirements.

(a) To
receive designation as a Minnesota job creation fund business, a business must satisfy all
of the following conditions:

(1) the business is or will be engaged in, within Minnesota, one of the following as its
primary business activity:

(i) manufacturing;

(ii) warehousing;

(iii) distribution;

(iv) information technology;

(v) finance;

(vi) insurance; or

(vii) professional or technical services;

(2) the business must not be primarily engaged in lobbying; gambling; entertainment;
professional sports; political consulting; leisure; hospitality; or professional services provided
by attorneys, accountants, business consultants, physicians, or health care consultants, or
primarily engaged in making retail sales to purchasers who are physically present at the
business's location;

(3) the business must enter into a binding construction and job creation business subsidy
agreement with the commissioner to expend directly, or ensure expenditure by or in
partnership with a third party constructing or managing the project, at least $500,000 in
capital investment in a capital investment project that includes a new, expanded, or remodeled
facility within one year following designation as a Minnesota job creation fund business or
$250,000 if the project is located outside the metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02,
subdivision 24, or if 51 percent of the business is cumulatively owned by minorities, veterans,
women, or persons with a disability; and:

(i) create at least ten new full-time employee positions within two years of the benefit
date following the designation as a Minnesota job creation fund business or five new full-time
employee positions within two years of the benefit date if the project is located outside the
metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, or if 51 percent of the business
is cumulatively owned by minorities, veterans, women, or persons with a disability; or

(ii) expend at least $25,000,000, which may include the installation and purchase of
machinery and equipment, in capital investment and retain at least deleted text begin 200 deleted text end new text begin 100 new text end employees for
projects located in the metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, deleted text begin and
75 deleted text end new text begin or expend at least $10,000,000, which may include the installation and purchase of
machinery and equipment, in capital investment and retain at least 50 new text end employees for projects
located outside the metropolitan area;

(4) positions or employees moved or relocated from another Minnesota location of the
Minnesota job creation fund business must not be included in any calculation or determination
of job creation or new positions under this paragraph; and

(5) a Minnesota job creation fund business must not terminate, lay off, or reduce the
working hours of an employee for the purpose of hiring an individual to satisfy job creation
goals under this subdivision.

(b) Prior to approving the proposed designation of a business under this subdivision, the
commissioner shall consider the following:

(1) the economic outlook of the industry in which the business engages;

(2) the projected sales of the business that will be generated from outside the state of
Minnesota;

(3) how the business will build on existing regional, national, and international strengths
to diversify the state's economy;

(4) whether the business activity would occur without financial assistance;

(5) whether the business is unable to expand at an existing Minnesota operation due to
facility or land limitations;

(6) whether the business has viable location options outside Minnesota;

(7) the effect of financial assistance on industry competitors in Minnesota;

(8) financial contributions to the project made by local governments; and

(9) any other criteria the commissioner deems necessary.

(c) Upon receiving notification of local approval under subdivision 2, the commissioner
shall review the determination by the local government and consider the conditions listed
in paragraphs (a) and (b) to determine whether it is in the best interests of the state and local
area to designate a business as a Minnesota job creation fund business.

(d) If the commissioner designates a business as a Minnesota job creation fund business,
the business subsidy agreement shall include the performance outcome commitments and
the expected financial value of any Minnesota job creation fund benefits.

(e) The commissioner may amend an agreement once, upon request of a local government
on behalf of a business, only if the performance is expected to exceed thresholds stated in
the original agreement.

(f) A business may apply to be designated as a Minnesota job creation fund business at
the same location more than once only if all goals under a previous Minnesota job creation
fund agreement have been met and the agreement is completed.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.8748, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Certification; benefits.

(a) The commissioner may certify a Minnesota job
creation fund business as eligible to receive a specific value of benefit under paragraphs (b)
and (c) when the business has achieved its job creation and capital investment goals noted
in its agreement under subdivision 3.

(b) A qualified Minnesota job creation fund business may be certified eligible for the
benefits in this paragraph for up to five years for projects located in the metropolitan area
as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, and seven years for projects located outside
the metropolitan area, as determined by the commissioner when considering the best interests
of the state and local area. Notwithstanding section 16B.98, subdivision 5, paragraph (a),
clause (3), or 16B.98, subdivision 5, paragraph (b), grant agreements for projects located
outside the metropolitan area may be for up to seven years in length. The eligibility for the
following benefits begins the date the commissioner certifies the business as a qualified
Minnesota job creation fund business under this subdivision:

(1) up to five percent rebate for projects located in the metropolitan area as defined in
section 200.02, subdivision 24, and 7.5 percent for projects located outside the metropolitan
area, on capital investment on qualifying purchases as provided in subdivision 5 with the
total rebate for a project not to exceed $500,000;

(2) an award of up to $500,000 based on full-time job creation and wages paid as provided
in subdivision 6 with the total award not to exceed $500,000;

(3) up to $1,000,000 in capital investment rebates and $1,000,000 in job creation awards
are allowable for projects that have at least $25,000,000 in capital investment and deleted text begin 200 deleted text end new text begin 100 new text end
new employees in the metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, and
deleted text begin 75 deleted text end new text begin 50 new text end new employees for projects located outside the metropolitan area;

(4) up to $1,000,000 in capital investment rebates new text begin and up to $1,000,000 in job creation
awards new text end are allowable for projects that have at least $25,000,000 in capital investment new text begin , which
may include the installation and purchase of machinery and equipment, new text end and deleted text begin 200 deleted text end new text begin 100 new text end retained
employees for projects located in the metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02,
subdivision 24, deleted text begin and 75 deleted text end new text begin or at least $10,000,000 in capital investment, which may include the
installation and purchase of machinery and equipment, and 50 retained new text end employees for
projects located outside the metropolitan area; and

(5) for clauses (3) and (4) only, the capital investment expenditure requirements may
include the installation and purchases of machinery and equipment. These expenditures are
not eligible for the capital investment rebate provided under subdivision 5.

(c) The job creation award may be provided in multiple years as long as the qualified
Minnesota job creation fund business continues to meet the job creation goals provided for
in its agreement under subdivision 3 and the total award does not exceed $500,000 except
as provided under paragraph (b), clauses (3) and (4). new text begin Under paragraph (b) clause (4), a job
creation award of $2,000 per retained job may be provided one time if the qualified Minnesota
job creation fund business meets the minimum capital investment and retained employee
requirement as provided in paragraph (b), clause (4), for at least two years.
new text end

(d) No rebates or award may be provided until the Minnesota job creation fund business
or a third party constructing or managing the project has at least $500,000 in capital
investment in the project and at least ten full-time jobs have been created and maintained
for at least one year or the retained employees, as provided in paragraph (b), clause (4),
remain for at least one year. The agreement may require additional performance outcomes
that need to be achieved before rebates and awards are provided. If fewer retained jobs are
maintained, but still above the minimum under this subdivision, the capital investment
award shall be reduced on a proportionate basis.

(e) The forms needed to be submitted to document performance by the Minnesota job
creation fund business must be in the form and be made under the procedures specified by
the commissioner. The forms shall include documentation and certification by the business
that it is in compliance with the business subsidy agreement, sections 116J.871 and 116L.66,
and other provisions as specified by the commissioner.

(f) Minnesota job creation fund businesses must pay each new full-time employee added
pursuant to the agreement total compensation, including benefits not mandated by law, that
on an annualized basis is equal to at least 110 percent of the federal poverty level for a
family of four.

(g) A Minnesota job creation fund business must demonstrate reasonable progress on
capital investment expenditures within six months following designation as a Minnesota
job creation fund business to ensure that the capital investment goal in the agreement under
subdivision 1 will be met. Businesses not making reasonable progress will not be eligible
for benefits under the submitted application and will need to work with the local government
unit to resubmit a new application and request to be a Minnesota job creation fund business.
Notwithstanding the goals noted in its agreement under subdivision 1, this action shall not
be considered a default of the business subsidy agreement.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.8748, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Job creation award.

(a) A qualified Minnesota job creation fund business is
eligible for an annual award for each new job created and maintained new text begin under subdivision 4,
paragraph (b), clauses (2) and (3), new text end by the business using the following schedule: $1,000 for
each job position paying annual wages at least $26,000 but less than $35,000; $2,000 for
each job position paying at least $35,000 but less than $45,000; deleted text begin and deleted text end $3,000 for each job
position paying at least $45,000 new text begin but less than $55,000; and $4,000 for each job position
paying at least $55,000 new text end ; and as noted in the goals under the agreement provided under
subdivision 1. These awards are increased by $1,000 if the business is located outside the
metropolitan area as defined in section 200.02, subdivision 24, or if 51 percent of the business
is cumulatively owned by minorities, veterans, women, or persons with a disability.

new text begin (b) A qualified Minnesota job creation fund business is eligible for a onetime $2,000
award for each job retained and maintained under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), clause (4),
provided that each retained job pays total compensation, including benefits not mandated
by law, that on an annualized basis is equal to at least 150 percent of the federal poverty
level for a family of four.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The job creation award schedule must be adjusted annually using the percentage
increase in the federal poverty level for a family of four.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Minnesota job creation fund businesses seeking an award credit provided under
subdivision 4 must submit forms and applications to the Department of Employment and
Economic Development as prescribed by the commissioner.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.8748, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6a. new text end

new text begin Transfer. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may transfer up to $2,000,000 of a fiscal year
appropriation between the Minnesota job creation fund program and the redevelopment
grant program to meet business demand.
new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [116J.8751] LAUNCH MINNESOTA.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin 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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision
have the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Advisory board" means the board established under subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Department" means the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

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

new text begin (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.
new text end

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

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

new text begin (j) "Research and development" means any activity that is:
new text end

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

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

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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:
new text end

new text begin (1) planned principal operations have not commenced; or
new text end

new text begin (2) planned principal operations have commenced, but have raised at least $1,000,000
in equity financing.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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).
new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The commissioner, by and through Launch Minnesota, shall:
new text end

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

new text begin (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
new text end

new text begin (9) perform other duties at the commissioner's discretion.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Administration. new text end

new text begin (a) The executive director shall:
new text end

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

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

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Application process. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall establish the application form
and procedures for grants.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

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

new text begin (1) a business or entrepreneur located in greater Minnesota; or
new text end

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

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

new text begin (1) businesses or entrepreneurs located in greater Minnesota; or
new text end

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

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Innovation grants. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall distribute innovation grants
under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Entrepreneur education grants. new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

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

new text begin (d) Grantees may use the grant funds to deliver the following services:
new text end

new text begin (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;
new text end

new text begin (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;
new text end

new text begin (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
new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin (a) Launch Minnesota shall annually report by December 31 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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Advisory board. new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

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

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

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.9924, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Grant amount; project phasing.

(a) The commissioner shall award grants in
an amount not to exceed deleted text begin $1,500,000 deleted text end new text begin $3,000,000 new text end per grant.

(b) A grant awarded under this section must be no less than the amount required to
complete one or more phases of the project, less any nonstate funds already committed for
such activities.

Sec. 12.

new text begin [116J.9925] COMMUNITY WEALTH-BUILDING GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Community business" means a cooperative, an employee-owned business, or a
commercial land trust that is at least 51 percent owned by individuals from targeted groups.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Partner organization" means a community development financial institution or
nonprofit corporation.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Program" means the community wealth-building grant program created under this
section.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Targeted groups" means persons who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color,
immigrants, low-income, women, veterans, or persons with disabilities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish a community wealth-building
grant program to award grants to partner organizations to fund low-interest loans to
community businesses. The program must encourage tax-base revitalization, private
investment, job creation for targeted groups, creation and strengthening of business
enterprises, assistance to displaced businesses, and promotion of economic development in
low-income areas.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grants to partner organizations. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall award grants to
partner organizations through a competitive grant process where applicants apply using a
form designed by the commissioner. In evaluating applications, the commissioner shall
consider whether the applicant:
new text end

new text begin (1) has a board of directors that includes members experienced in business and community
development, operating community businesses, addressing racial income disparities, and
creating jobs for targeted groups;
new text end

new text begin (2) has the technical skills to analyze projects;
new text end

new text begin (3) is familiar with other available public and private funding sources and economic
development programs;
new text end

new text begin (4) can initiate and implement economic development projects;
new text end

new text begin (5) can establish a program and administer funds;
new text end

new text begin (6) can work with job referral networks assisting targeted groups; and
new text end

new text begin (7) has established relationships with communities of targeted groups.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall ensure that loans through the program will fund community
businesses statewide and shall make reasonable attempts to balance the amount of funding
available to community businesses inside and outside of the metropolitan area as defined
under section 473.121, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (c) Partner organizations that receive grants under this subdivision shall use up to ten
percent of their award to provide specialized technical and legal assistance, either directly
or through a partnership with organizations with expertise in shared ownership structures,
to community businesses and businesses in the process of transitioning to community
ownership.
new text end

new text begin (d) Grants under this subdivision are available for five years. The commissioner shall
review existing grant agreements every five years and may renew or terminate the agreement
based on that review and consideration of the criteria under paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Loans to community businesses. new text end

new text begin (a) A partner organization that receives a
grant under subdivision 3 shall establish a plan for making low-interest loans to community
businesses. The plan requires approval by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) Under the plan:
new text end

new text begin (1) the state contribution to each loan shall be no less than $50,000 and no more than
$2,500,000;
new text end

new text begin (2) loans shall be made for projects that are unlikely to be undertaken unless a loan is
received under the program;
new text end

new text begin (3) priority shall be given to loans to businesses in the lowest income areas;
new text end

new text begin (4) the interest rate on a loan shall not be higher than the Wall Street Journal prime rate;
new text end

new text begin (5) 50 percent of all repayments of principal on a loan under the program shall be repaid
to the community wealth-building account created under subdivision 5. The partner
organization may retain the remainder of loan repayments to service loans and provide
further technical assistance;
new text end

new text begin (6) the partner organization may charge a loan origination fee of no more than one
percent of the loan value and may retain that origination fee; and
new text end

new text begin (7) a partner organization may not make a loan to a project in which it has an ownership
interest.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Community wealth-building account. new text end

new text begin A community wealth-building account
is created in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. Money in the account is
appropriated to the commissioner for grants under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Reports. new text end

new text begin (a) Grant recipients shall submit an annual report to the commissioner
by January 31 of each year they participate in the program. The report shall include:
new text end

new text begin (1) an account of all loans made through the program the preceding calendar year and
the impact of those loans on community businesses and job creation for targeted groups;
new text end

new text begin (2) information on the source and amount of money collected and distributed under the
program, its assets and liabilities, and an explanation of administrative expenses; and
new text end

new text begin (3) an independent audit of grant funds performed in accordance with generally accepted
accounting practices and auditing standards.
new text end

new text begin (b) By February 15 of each year beginning in 2024, the commissioner shall submit a
report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over workforce and economic development on program outcomes, including
copies of all reports received under paragraph (a).
new text end

Sec. 13.

new text begin [116J.9926] EMERGING DEVELOPER FUND PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Disadvantaged community" means a community where the median household
income is less than 80 percent of the area median income.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Eligible project" means a project that is based in Minnesota and meets one or more
of the following criteria:
new text end

new text begin (1) it will stimulate community stabilization or revitalization;
new text end

new text begin (2) it will be located within a census tract identified as a disadvantaged community or
low-income community;
new text end

new text begin (3) it will directly benefit residents of a low-income household;
new text end

new text begin (4) it will increase the supply and improve the condition of affordable housing and
homeownership;
new text end

new text begin (5) it will support the growth needs of new and existing community-based enterprises
that promote economic stability or improve the supply or quality of job opportunities; or
new text end

new text begin (6) it will promote wealth creation, including by being a project in a neighborhood
traditionally not served by real estate developers.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Emerging developer" means a developer who:
new text end

new text begin (1) has limited access to loans from traditional financial institutions; or
new text end

new text begin (2) is a new or smaller developer who has engaged in educational training in real estate
development; and
new text end

new text begin (3) is either a:
new text end

new text begin (i) minority as defined in section 116M.14, subdivision 6;
new text end

new text begin (ii) woman;
new text end

new text begin (iii) person with a disability, as defined in section 116M.14, subdivision 9; or
new text end

new text begin (iv) low-income person.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Low-income person" means a person who:
new text end

new text begin (1) has a household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level; or
new text end

new text begin (2) has a family income that does not exceed 60 percent of the area median income as
determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Partner organization" means a community development financial institution or a
similarly qualified nonprofit corporation, as determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (h) "Program" means the emerging developer fund program created under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish an emerging developer fund
program to make grants to partner organizations to make grants and loans to emerging
developers for eligible projects to transform neighborhoods statewide and promote economic
development and the creation and retention of jobs in Minnesota. The program must also
reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities by growing the financial capacity of emerging
developers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grants to partner organizations. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall design a
competitive process to award grants to partner organizations to make grants and loans to
emerging developers under subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin (b) A partner organization may use up to ten percent of grant funds for the administrative
costs of the program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Grants and loans to emerging developers. new text end

new text begin (a) Through the program, partner
organizations shall offer emerging developers predevelopment grants and predevelopment,
construction, and bridge loans for eligible projects according to a plan submitted to and
approved by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) Predevelopment grants must be for no more than $100,000. All loans must be for no
more than $1,000,000.
new text end

new text begin (c) Loans must be for a term set by the partner organization and approved by the
commissioner of no less than six months and no more than eight years, depending on the
use of loan proceeds.
new text end

new text begin (d) Loans must be for zero interest or an interest rate of no more than the Wall Street
Journal prime rate, as determined by the partner organization and approved by the
commissioner based on the individual project risk and type of loan sought.
new text end

new text begin (e) Loans must have flexible collateral requirements compared to traditional loans, but
may require a personal guaranty from the emerging developer and may be largely unsecured
when the appraised value of the real estate is low.
new text end

new text begin (f) Loans must have no prepayment penalties and are expected to be repaid from
permanent financing or a conventional loan, once that is secured.
new text end

new text begin (g) Loans must have the ability to bridge many types of receivables, such as tax credits,
grants, developer fees, and other forms of long-term financing.
new text end

new text begin (h) At the partner organization's request and the commissioner's discretion, an emerging
developer may be required to work with an experienced developer or professional services
consultant who can offer expertise and advice throughout the development of the project.
new text end

new text begin (i) All loan repayments must be paid into the emerging developer fund account created
in this section to fund additional loans.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Eligible expenses. new text end

new text begin (a) The following are eligible expenses for a predevelopment
grant or loan under the program:
new text end

new text begin (1) earnest money or purchase deposit;
new text end

new text begin (2) building inspection fees and environmental reviews;
new text end

new text begin (3) appraisal and surveying;
new text end

new text begin (4) design and tax credit application fees;
new text end

new text begin (5) title and recording fees;
new text end

new text begin (6) site preparation, demolition, and stabilization;
new text end

new text begin (7) interim maintenance and project overhead;
new text end

new text begin (8) property taxes and insurance;
new text end

new text begin (9) construction bonds or letters of credit;
new text end

new text begin (10) market and feasibility studies; and
new text end

new text begin (11) professional fees.
new text end

new text begin (b) The following are eligible expenses for a construction or bridge loan under the
program:
new text end

new text begin (1) land or building acquisition;
new text end

new text begin (2) construction-related expenses;
new text end

new text begin (3) developer and contractor fees;
new text end

new text begin (4) site preparation, environmental cleanup, and demolition;
new text end

new text begin (5) financing fees, including title and recording;
new text end

new text begin (6) professional fees;
new text end

new text begin (7) carrying costs;
new text end

new text begin (8) construction period interest;
new text end

new text begin (9) project reserves; and
new text end

new text begin (10) leasehold improvements and equipment purchase.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Emerging developer fund account. new text end

new text begin An emerging developer fund account is
created in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. Money in the account is appropriated
to the commissioner for grants to partner organizations to make loans under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Reports to the legislature. new text end

new text begin (a) By January 15 of each year, beginning in 2025,
each partner organization shall submit a report to the commissioner on the use of program
funds and program outcomes.
new text end

new text begin (b) By February 15 of each year, beginning in 2025, the commissioner shall submit a
report to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction
over economic development on the use of program funds and program outcomes.
new text end

Sec. 14. new text begin EMPOWERING ENTERPRISE PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Eligible organization" means:
new text end

new text begin (1) a federally certified community development financial institution;
new text end

new text begin (2) a nonprofit organization; or
new text end

new text begin (3) a city.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Entity" includes any registered business or nonprofit organization. This includes
businesses, cooperatives, utilities, industrial, commercial, retail, and nonprofit organizations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish a program to make grants to
eligible organizations to develop and implement local economic relief programs designed
with the primary goal of assisting communities adversely affected by civil unrest during
the peacetime emergency declared in governor's Executive Order No. 20-64 by preserving
incumbent entities and encouraging new entities to locate in those areas. To this end, local
programs should include outreach to cultural communities and support for microenterprises.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Available relief. new text end

new text begin (a) The local programs established by eligible organizations
under this section may include grants or loans as provided in this section, as well as subgrants
to local nonprofits to further the goals of the program. Prior to awarding a grant to an eligible
organization for a local program under this section:
new text end

new text begin (1) the eligible organization must develop criteria, procedures, and requirements for:
new text end

new text begin (i) determining eligibility for assistance;
new text end

new text begin (ii) the duration, terms, underwriting and security requirements, and repayment
requirements for loans;
new text end

new text begin (iii) evaluating applications for assistance;
new text end

new text begin (iv) awarding assistance; and
new text end

new text begin (v) administering the grant and loan programs authorized under this section, including
any subgrants to local nonprofits;
new text end

new text begin (2) the eligible organization must submit its criteria, procedures, and requirements
developed pursuant to clause (1) to the commissioner of employment and economic
development for review; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the commissioner must approve the criteria, procedures, and requirements as
developed pursuant to clause (1) to be used by an eligible organization in determining
eligibility for assistance, evaluating, awarding, and administering a grant and loan program.
new text end

new text begin (b) Relief under this section includes grants to entities. These grants must not exceed
$500,000 per entity, must specify that an entity receiving a grant must remain in the local
community a minimum of three years after the date of the grant, and must require submission
of a plan for continued operation. Grants may be awarded to applicants only when an eligible
organization determines that a loan is not appropriate to address the needs of the applicant.
new text end

new text begin (c) Relief under this section includes loans to entities, with or without interest, and
deferred or forgivable loans. The maximum loan amount under this subdivision is $500,000
per entity. The lending criteria adopted by an eligible organization for loans under this
subdivision must:
new text end

new text begin (1) specify that an entity receiving a deferred or forgivable loan must remain in the local
community a minimum of three years after the date of the loan. The maximum loan deferral
period must not exceed three years from the date the loan is approved; and
new text end

new text begin (2) require submission of a plan for continued operation. The plan must document the
probable success of the applicant's plan and probable success in repaying the loan according
to the terms established for the loan program.
new text end

new text begin (d) All loan repayment funds under this subdivision must be paid to the commissioner
of employment and economic development for deposit in the general fund.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Monitoring and reporting. new text end

new text begin (a) Participating eligible organizations must
establish performance measures that include but are not limited to the following components:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of loans approved and the amounts and terms of the loans;
new text end

new text begin (2) the number of grants awarded, award amounts, and the reason that a grant award
was made in lieu of a loan;
new text end

new text begin (3) the loan default rate;
new text end

new text begin (4) the number of jobs created or retained as a result of the assistance, including
information on the wages and benefit levels, the status of the jobs as full-time or part-time,
and the status of the jobs as temporary or permanent; and
new text end

new text begin (5) the amount of business activity and changes in gross revenues of the grant or loan
recipient as a result of the assistance.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of employment and economic development must monitor the
participating eligible organizations' compliance with this section and the performance
measures developed under paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin (c) Participating eligible organizations must comply with all requests made by the
commissioner under this section and are responsible for the reporting and compliance of
any subgrantees.
new text end

new text begin (d) By December 15 of each year the program is in existence, participating eligible
organizations must report their performance measures to the commissioner. By January 15
of each year the program is in existence, after the first, the commissioner must submit a
report of these performance measures to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over economic
development that details the use of funds under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Exemptions. new text end

new text begin (a) Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.993 to 116J.995, do not
apply to assistance under this section. Entities in receipt of assistance under this section
must provide for job creation and retention goals and wage and benefit goals.
new text end

new text begin (b) Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.15, 16B.97, 16B.98, 16B.991, 16C.05, and 16C.053,
do not apply to assistance under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Administrative costs. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic
development may use up to seven percent of the appropriation made for this section for
administrative expenses of the department or for assisting participating eligible organizations
with their administrative expenses.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment and
expires the day after the last loan is repaid or forgiven as provided under this section.
new text end

Sec. 15. new text begin CANADIAN BORDER COUNTIES ECONOMIC RELIEF PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Relief program established. new text end

new text begin The Northland Foundation must develop
and implement a Canadian border counties economic relief program to assist businesses
adversely affected by the 2021 closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or
the closures of the Canadian border since 2020.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Available relief. new text end

new text begin (a) The economic relief program established under this section
may include grants provided in this section to the extent that funds are available. Before
awarding a grant to the Northland Foundation for the relief program under this section:
new text end

new text begin (1) the Northland Foundation must develop criteria, procedures, and requirements for:
new text end

new text begin (i) determining eligibility for assistance;
new text end

new text begin (ii) evaluating applications for assistance;
new text end

new text begin (iii) awarding assistance; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) administering the grant program authorized under this section;
new text end

new text begin (2) the Northland Foundation must submit its criteria, procedures, and requirements
developed under clause (1) to the commissioner of employment and economic development
for review; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the commissioner must approve the criteria, procedures, and requirements submitted
under clause (2).
new text end

new text begin (b) The maximum grant to a business under this section is $50,000 per business.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Qualification requirements. new text end

new text begin To qualify for assistance under this section, a
business must:
new text end

new text begin (1) be located within a county that shares a border with Canada;
new text end

new text begin (2) document a reduction of at least ten percent in gross receipts in 2021 compared to
2019; and
new text end

new text begin (3) provide a written explanation for how the 2021 closure of the Boundary Waters
Canoe Area Wilderness or the closures of the Canadian border since 2020 resulted in the
reduction in gross receipts documented under clause (2).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Monitoring. new text end

new text begin (a) The Northland Foundation must establish performance
measures, including but not limited to the following components:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of grants awarded and award amounts for each grant;
new text end

new text begin (2) the number of jobs created or retained as a result of the assistance, including
information on the wages and benefit levels, the status of the jobs as full time or part time,
and the status of the jobs as temporary or permanent;
new text end

new text begin (3) the amount of business activity and changes in gross revenues of the grant recipient
as a result of the assistance; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the new tax revenue generated as a result of the assistance.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of employment and economic development must monitor the
Northland Foundation's compliance with this section and the performance measures
developed under paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin (c) The Northland Foundation must comply with all requests made by the commissioner
under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Business subsidy requirements. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.993 to
116J.995, do not apply to assistance under this section. Businesses in receipt of assistance
under this section must provide for job creation and retention goals, and wage and benefit
goals.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Administrative costs. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic
development may use up to one percent of the appropriation made for this section for
administrative expenses of the department.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2023, and expires June 30, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 16. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.9924, subdivision 6, new text end new text begin and new text end new text begin 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, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

ARTICLE 4

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Section 1.

new text begin [116J.545] GETTING TO WORK GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Creation. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic development
shall make grants to nonprofit organizations to establish and operate programs under this
section that provide, repair, or maintain motor vehicles to assist eligible individuals to obtain
or maintain employment. All grants shall be for two years.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Qualified grantee. new text end

new text begin A grantee must:
new text end

new text begin (1) qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
new text end

new text begin (2) at the time of application, offer or have the demonstrated capacity to offer a motor
vehicle program that provides the services required under subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Program requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) A program must offer one or more of the following
services:
new text end

new text begin (1) provision of new or used motor vehicles by gift, sale, or lease;
new text end

new text begin (2) motor vehicle repair and maintenance services; or
new text end

new text begin (3) motor vehicle loans.
new text end

new text begin (b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a), a program must offer one or more
of the following services:
new text end

new text begin (1) financial literacy education;
new text end

new text begin (2) education on budgeting for vehicle ownership;
new text end

new text begin (3) car maintenance and repair instruction;
new text end

new text begin (4) credit counseling; or
new text end

new text begin (5) job training related to motor vehicle maintenance and repair.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin Applications for a grant must be on a form provided by the
commissioner and on a schedule set by the commissioner. Applications must, in addition
to any other information required by the commissioner, include the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) a detailed description of all services to be offered;
new text end

new text begin (2) the area to be served;
new text end

new text begin (3) the estimated number of program participants to be served by the grant; and
new text end

new text begin (4) a plan for leveraging resources from partners that may include but are not limited
to:
new text end

new text begin (i) automobile dealers;
new text end

new text begin (ii) automobile parts dealers;
new text end

new text begin (iii) independent local mechanics and automobile repair facilities;
new text end

new text begin (iv) banks and credit unions;
new text end

new text begin (v) employers;
new text end

new text begin (vi) employment and training agencies;
new text end

new text begin (vii) insurance companies and agents;
new text end

new text begin (viii) local workforce centers; and
new text end

new text begin (ix) educational institutions, including vocational institutions and jobs or skills training
programs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Participant eligibility. new text end

new text begin (a) To be eligible to receive program services, a person
must:
new text end

new text begin (1) have a household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level;
new text end

new text begin (2) be at least 18 years of age;
new text end

new text begin (3) have a valid driver's license;
new text end

new text begin (4) provide the grantee with proof of motor vehicle insurance; and
new text end

new text begin (5) demonstrate to the grantee that a motor vehicle is required by the person to obtain
or maintain employment.
new text end

new text begin (b) This subdivision does not preclude a grantee from imposing additional requirements,
not inconsistent with paragraph (a), for the receipt of program services.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Report to legislature. new text end

new text begin By January 15, 2026, and each January 15 in an
even-numbered year thereafter, the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs of the
house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over workforce and
economic development on program outcomes. At a minimum, the report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the total number of program participants;
new text end

new text begin (2) the number of program participants who received each of the following:
new text end

new text begin (i) provision of a motor vehicle;
new text end

new text begin (ii) motor vehicle repair services; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) motor vehicle loans;
new text end

new text begin (3) the number of program participants who report that they or their children were able
to increase their participation in community activities such as after school programs, other
youth programs, church or civic groups, or library services as a result of participation in the
program; and
new text end

new text begin (4) an analysis of the impact of the getting to work grant program on the employment
rate and wages of program participants.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.5492, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Meetings.

The advisory committee must meet deleted text begin monthly until the energy transition
plan is submitted deleted text end new text begin quarterly and submit an updated energy transition plan annually new text end to the
governor and the legislature. new text begin Once submitted, the committee shall develop a regular meeting
schedule as needed. new text end The chair may call additional meetings as necessary.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.5492, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Expiration.

This section expires deleted text begin the day after the Minnesota energy transition
plan required under section 116J.5493 is submitted to the legislature and the governor deleted text end new text begin on
June 30, 2027 new text end .

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.55, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For the purposes of this section, "eligible community" means
a county, municipality, or tribal government located in Minnesota in which an electric
generating plant owned by a public utility, as defined in section 216B.02, that is powered
by coal, nuclear energy, or natural gas:

(1) is currently operating and new text begin (i) new text end is scheduled to cease operations deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin , (ii) new text end whose cessation
of operations has been proposed in an integrated resource plan filed with the commission
under section 216B.2422 new text begin , or (iii) whose current operating license expires within 15 years
of the effective date of this section new text end ; or

(2) ceased operations or was removed from the local property tax base no earlier than
five years before the date an application is made for a grant under this section.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.55, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Grant awards; limitations.

deleted text begin (a) The commissioner must award grants under
this section to eligible communities through a competitive grant process.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (a) new text end A grant awarded to an eligible community under this section must not exceed
deleted text begin $500,000 deleted text end new text begin $1,000,000 in any calendar year. The commissioner may accept grant applications
on an ongoing or rolling basis new text end .

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end Grants funded with revenues from the renewable development account established
in section 116C.779 must be awarded to an eligible community located within the retail
electric service territory of the public utility that is subject to section 116C.779 or to an
eligible community in which an electric generating plant owned by that public utility is
located.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.55, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Eligible expenditures.

(a) Money in the account established in subdivision 3
must be used only to:

(1) award grants to eligible communities under this section; and

(2) reimburse the department's reasonable costs to administer this section, up to a
maximum of five percent of the appropriation made to the commissioner under this section. new text begin
The commissioner may transfer part of the allowable administrative portion of this
appropriation to the Environmental Quality Board to assist communities with regulatory
coordination and dedicated technical assistance on conversion for these communities.
new text end

(b) An eligible community awarded a grant under this section may use the grant to plan
for or address the economic and social impacts on the eligible community of the electric
generating plant's cessation of operations, including but not limited to new text begin land use studies,
economic planning, new text end researching, planning, and implementing activities new text begin , capital costs of
public infrastructure necessary for economic development, and impact studies and other
planning activities enabling communities to become shovel-ready and support the transition
from power plants to other economic activities to minimize the negative impacts of power
plant closures on tax revenues and jobs new text end designed to:

(1) assist workers at the plant find new employment, including worker retraining and
developing small business start-up skills;

(2) increase the eligible community's property tax base; and

(3) develop alternative economic development strategies to attract new employers to the
eligible community.

Sec. 7.

new text begin [116J.659] OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Office established; purpose. new text end

new text begin (a) The Office of New Americans is
established within the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The governor
must appoint an assistant commissioner who serves in the unclassified service. The assistant
commissioner must hire a program manager and an office assistant, as well as any staff
necessary to carry out the office's duties under subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (b) The purpose of the office is to serve immigrants and refugees in Minnesota by:
new text end

new text begin (1) addressing challenges that face immigrants and refugees in Minnesota, and creating
access in economic development and workforce programs and services; and
new text end

new text begin (2) providing interstate agency coordination, policy reviews, and guidance that assist in
creating access to immigrants and refugees.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin (a) The office has the duty to:
new text end

new text begin (1) create and implement a statewide strategy to support immigrant and refugee integration
into Minnesota communities;
new text end

new text begin (2) address the state's workforce needs by connecting employers and job seekers within
the immigrant and refugee community;
new text end

new text begin (3) identify strategies to reduce employment barriers, including the creation of alternative
pathways for immigrants and refugees;
new text end

new text begin (4) support programs and activities designed to ensure equitable access to the workforce
for immigrants and refugees, including those who are disabled;
new text end

new text begin (5) support equitable opportunities for immigrants and refugees to access state government
services and grants;
new text end

new text begin (6) work with state agencies and community and foundation partners to undertake studies
and research and analyze economic and demographic trends to better understand and serve
the state's immigrant and refugee communities;
new text end

new text begin (7) coordinate and establish best practices for language access initiatives to all state
agencies;
new text end

new text begin (8) convene stakeholders and provide assistance and recommendations to the governor
on issues impacting immigrants and refugees;
new text end

new text begin (9) make policy recommendations to the governor on issues impacting immigrants and
refugees;
new text end

new text begin (10) develop systems of communication and collaboration with local offices and service
providers to ensure that immigrants and refugees can access support available to them to
address multisectoral barriers to success, including in the areas of employment, housing,
legal services, health care, and education;
new text end

new text begin (11) collaborate with existing immigrant and refugee inclusion positions and offices at
the city and county level statewide;
new text end

new text begin (12) encourage and support the creation of new immigrant and refugee inclusion positions
and offices at the city and county level statewide;
new text end

new text begin (13) serve as the point of contact for immigrants and refugees accessing resources both
within the department and with boards charged with oversight of a profession;
new text end

new text begin (14) promulgate rules necessary to implement and effectuate this section;
new text end

new text begin (15) provide an annual report, as required by subdivision 3; and
new text end

new text begin (16) perform any other activities consistent with the office's purpose.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin (a) Beginning January 15, 2024, and each year thereafter, the Office
of New Americans shall report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the
office's activities during the previous year.
new text end

new text begin (b) The report shall contain, at a minimum:
new text end

new text begin (1) a summary of the office's activities;
new text end

new text begin (2) suggested policies, incentives, and legislation designed to accelerate the achievement
of the duties under subdivision 2;
new text end

new text begin (3) any proposed legislative and policy initiatives;
new text end

new text begin (4) the amount and types of grants awarded under subdivision 6; and
new text end

new text begin (5) any other information deemed necessary and requested by the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over the office.
new text end

new text begin (c) The report may be submitted electronically and is subject to section 3.195, subdivision
1.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Immigrant and Refugee
Affairs. new text end

new text begin (a) An interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
is established to advise the Office of New Americans.
new text end

new text begin (b) The purpose of the council is to identify and establish ways in which state departments
and agencies can work together to deliver state programs and services effectively and
efficiently to Minnesota's immigrant and refugee populations. The council shall implement
policies, procedures, and programs requested by the governor through the state departments
and offices.
new text end

new text begin (c) The council shall be chaired by the assistant commissioner of the Office of New
Americans and shall be comprised of the commissioners, department directors, or senior
leadership designees, from the following state departments and offices:
new text end

new text begin (1) the governor's office;
new text end

new text begin (2) the Department of Administration;
new text end

new text begin (3) the Department of Employment and Economic Development;
new text end

new text begin (4) the Department of Human Services;
new text end

new text begin (5) the Department of Human Services Resettlement Program Office;
new text end

new text begin (6) the Department of Labor and Industry;
new text end

new text begin (7) the Department of Health;
new text end

new text begin (8) the Department of Education;
new text end

new text begin (9) the Office of Higher Education;
new text end

new text begin (10) the Department of Public Safety;
new text end

new text begin (11) the Department of Corrections;
new text end

new text begin (12) the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage;
new text end

new text begin (13) the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs; and
new text end

new text begin (14) the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans.
new text end

new text begin (d) Each department or office serving as a member of the council shall designate one
staff member as an immigrant and refugee services liaison. The liaisons' responsibilities
shall include:
new text end

new text begin (1) preparation and dissemination of information and services available to immigrants
and refugees; and
new text end

new text begin (2) interfacing with the Office of New Americans on issues that impact immigrants and
refugees and their communities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin No right of action. new text end

new text begin Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any
right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party
against the state; its departments, agencies, or entities; its officers, employees, or agents;
or any other person.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin The office may apply for grants for interested state agencies, community
partners, and stakeholders under this section to carry out the duties under subdivision 2. In
awarding grants, the commissioner must allocate grants as evenly as practicable among
interested parties.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.361, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

deleted text begin Very deleted text end Low income.

" deleted text begin Very deleted text end Low income" means incomes that are at or less than
deleted text begin 50 deleted text end new text begin 80 new text end percent of the area median income, adjusted for family size, as estimated by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.362, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Generally.

(a) The commissioner shall make grants to eligible
organizations for programs to provide education and training services to targeted youth.
The purpose of these programs is to provide specialized training and work experience for
targeted youth who have not been served effectively by the current educational system. The
programs are to include a work experience component with work projects that result in the
rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of (1) residential units for the homeless; (2)
improvements to the energy efficiency and environmental health of residential units and
other green jobs purposes; (3) facilities to support community garden projects; or (4)
education, social service, or health facilities which are owned by a public agency or a private
nonprofit organization.

(b) Eligible facilities must principally provide services to homeless or deleted text begin very deleted text end low income
individuals and families, and include the following:

(1) Head Start or day care centers new text begin , including playhouses or similar incidental structures new text end ;

(2) homeless, battered women, or other shelters;

(3) transitional housing new text begin and tiny houses new text end ;

(4) youth or senior citizen centers;

(5) community health centers; and

(6) community garden facilities.

Two or more eligible organizations may jointly apply for a grant. The commissioner
shall administer the grant program.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.364, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Work experience component.

A work experience component must be included
in each program. The work experience component must provide vocational skills training
in an industry where there is a viable expectation of job opportunities. A training subsidy,
living allowance, or stipend, not to exceed an amount equal to 100 percent of the poverty
line for a family of two as defined in deleted text begin United States Code, title 42, section 673, paragraph
(2) deleted text end new text begin the final rules and regulations of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act new text end , may
be provided to program participants. The wage or stipend must be provided to participants
who are recipients of public assistance in a manner or amount which will not reduce public
assistance benefits. The work experience component must be designed so that work projects
result in (1) the expansion or improvement of residential units for homeless persons and
deleted text begin very deleted text end low income families; (2) improvements to the energy efficiency and environmental
health of residential units; (3) facilities to support community garden projects; or (4)
rehabilitation, improvement, or construction of eligible education, social service, or health
facilities that principally serve homeless or deleted text begin very deleted text end low income individuals and families. Any
work project must include direct supervision by individuals skilled in each specific vocation.
Program participants may earn credits toward the completion of their secondary education
from their participation in the work experience component.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.365, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Priority for housing.

Any residential or transitional housing units that
become available through a work project that is part of the program described in section
116L.364 must be allocated in the following order:

(1) homeless targeted youth who have participated in constructing, rehabilitating, or
improving the unit;

(2) homeless families with at least one dependent;

(3) other homeless individuals;

(4) other deleted text begin very deleted text end low income families and individuals; and

(5) families or individuals that receive public assistance and that do not qualify in any
other priority group.

Sec. 12.

new text begin [116L.43] TARGETED POPULATIONS WORKFORCE GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Community-based organization" means a nonprofit organization that:
new text end

new text begin (1) provides workforce development programming or services;
new text end

new text begin (2) has an annual organizational budget of no more than $1,000,000;
new text end

new text begin (3) has its primary office located in a historically underserved community of color or
low-income community; and
new text end

new text begin (4) serves a population that generally reflects the demographics of that local community.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Entry level jobs" means part-time or full-time jobs that an individual can perform
without any prior education or experience.
new text end

new text begin (d) "High wage" means the income needed for a family to cover minimum necessary
expenses in a given geographic area, including food, child care, health care, housing, and
transportation.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Industry specific certification" means a credential an individual can earn to show
proficiency in a particular area or skill.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Remedial training" means additional training provided to staff following the
identification of a need and intended to increase proficiency in performing job tasks.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Small business" has the same meaning as section 645.445.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Job and entrepreneurial skills training grants. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall
establish a job and entrepreneurial skills training grant program that must provide competitive
funding to community-based organizations to provide skills training that leads to employment
or business development in high-growth industries.
new text end

new text begin (b) Eligible forms of skills training include:
new text end

new text begin (1) student tutoring and testing support services;
new text end

new text begin (2) training and employment placement in high-wage and high-growth employment;
new text end

new text begin (3) assistance in obtaining industry specific certifications;
new text end

new text begin (4) remedial training leading to enrollment in further training or education;
new text end

new text begin (5) real-time work experience or on-the-job training;
new text end

new text begin (6) career and educational counseling;
new text end

new text begin (7) work experience and internships;
new text end

new text begin (8) supportive services;
new text end

new text begin (9) tuition reimbursement for new entrants into public sector careers;
new text end

new text begin (10) career mentorship;
new text end

new text begin (11) postprogram case management services;
new text end

new text begin (12) job placement services; and
new text end

new text begin (13) the cost of corporate board of director training for people of color.
new text end

new text begin (c) Grant awards must not exceed $750,000 per year per organization and all funding
awards must be made for the duration of a biennium. An organization may partner with
another organization to utilize grant awards, provided that the organizations must not be
funded to deliver the same services. Grants awarded under this subdivision are not subject
to section 116L.98.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Diversity and inclusion training for small employers. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner
shall establish a diversity and inclusion training grant program which shall provide
competitive grants to small businesses for diversity and inclusion training, including the
creation and implementation of a plan to actively engage, hire, and retain people of color
for both entry level and high-wage opportunities, including management and board of
director positions.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grant awards must not exceed $300,000 per year per business. A business may only
receive one grant for diversity and inclusion training per biennium.
new text end

new text begin (c) Applicants are required to submit a plan for use of the funds. Grant recipients are
required to submit a diversity and inclusion implementation plan after training is completed.
new text end

new text begin (d) Grants awarded under this subdivision are not subject to section 116L.98.
new text end

new text begin (e) Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995 do not apply to assistance under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Capacity building. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall establish a capacity building
grant program to provide training services and funding for capacity building to
community-based organizations.
new text end

new text begin (b) Eligible uses of grant awards include covering the cost of workforce program delivery
staff, program infrastructure costs, and workforce training related service model development.
new text end

new text begin (c) Grant awards must not exceed $50,000 per organization and are limited to one grant
per community-based organization.
new text end

new text begin (d) Grants awarded under this subdivision are not subject to section 116L.98.
new text end

new text begin (e) Grant recipients must submit a report to the commissioner outlining the use of grant
funds and the impact of that funding on the community-based organization's future ability
to provide workforce development services.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.56, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Eligible applicant.

"Eligible applicant" means an individual who is between
the ages of 14 and deleted text begin 21 deleted text end new text begin 24 new text end and economically disadvantaged.

An at-risk youth who is classified as a family of one is deemed economically
disadvantaged. For purposes of eligibility determination the following individuals are
considered at risk:

(1) a pregnant or parenting youth;

(2) a youth with limited English proficiency;

(3) a potential or actual school dropout;

(4) a youth in an offender or diversion program;

(5) a public assistance recipient or a recipient of group home services;

(6) a youth with disabilities including learning disabilities;

(7) a child of drug or alcohol abusers or a youth with substance use disorder;

(8) a homeless or runaway youth;

(9) a youth with basic skills deficiency;

(10) a youth with an educational attainment of one or more levels below grade level
appropriate to age; or

(11) a foster child.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.561, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Allocation formula.

Seventy percent of Minnesota youth program funds must
be allocated based on the county's share of economically disadvantaged youth. The remaining
30 percent must be allocated based on the county's share of population ages 14 to deleted text begin 21 deleted text end new text begin 24 new text end .

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116L.562, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Definitions.

For purposes of this section:

(1) "eligible organization" or "eligible applicant" means a local government unit, nonprofit
organization, community action agency, or a public school district;

(2) "at-risk youth" means youth classified as at-risk under section 116L.56, subdivision
2; and

(3) "economically disadvantaged" means youth who are economically disadvantaged as
defined in deleted text begin United States Code, title 29, section 1503 deleted text end new text begin the rules and regulations of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act new text end .

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 268.035, subdivision 20, is amended to read:

Subd. 20.

Noncovered employment.

"Noncovered employment" means:

(1) employment for the United States government or an instrumentality thereof, including
military service;

(2) employment for a state, other than Minnesota, or a political subdivision or
instrumentality thereof;

(3) employment for a foreign government;

(4) employment covered under the federal Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act;

(5) employment for a church or convention or association of churches, or a nonprofit
organization operated primarily for religious purposes that is operated, supervised, controlled,
or principally supported by a church or convention or association of churches;

(6) employment for an elementary or secondary school with a curriculum that includes
religious education that is operated by a church, a convention or association of churches,
or a nonprofit organization that is operated, supervised, controlled, or principally supported
by a church or convention or association of churches;

(7) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, or a nonprofit organization, of
a duly ordained or licensed minister of a church in the exercise of a ministry or by a member
of a religious order in the exercise of duties required by the order;

(8) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, or a nonprofit organization, of
an individual receiving rehabilitation of "sheltered" work in a facility conducted for the
purpose of carrying out a program of rehabilitation for individuals whose earning capacity
is impaired by age or physical or mental deficiency or injury or a program providing
"sheltered" work for individuals who because of an impaired physical or mental capacity
cannot be readily absorbed in the competitive labor market. This clause applies only to
services performed in a facility certified by the Rehabilitation Services Branch of the
department or in a day training or habilitation program licensed by the Department of Human
Services;

(9) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, or a nonprofit organization, of
an individual receiving work relief or work training as part of an unemployment work relief
or work training program financed in whole or in part by any federal agency or an agency
of a state or political subdivision thereof. This clause does not apply to programs that require
unemployment benefit coverage for the participants;

(10) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, as an elected official, a member
of a legislative body, or a member of the judiciary;

(11) employment as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or Air National Guard;

(12) employment for Minnesota or a political subdivision, or instrumentality thereof, of
an individual serving on a temporary basis in case of fire, flood, tornado, or similar
emergency;

(13) employment as an election official or election worker for Minnesota or a political
subdivision, if the compensation for that employment was less than $1,000 in a calendar
year;

(14) employment for Minnesota that is a major policy-making or advisory position in
the unclassified service;

(15) employment for Minnesota in an unclassified position established under section
43A.08, subdivision 1a;

(16) employment for a political subdivision of Minnesota that is a nontenured major
policy making or advisory position;

(17) domestic employment in a private household, local college club, or local chapter
of a college fraternity or sorority, if the wages paid in any calendar quarter in either the
current or prior calendar year to all individuals in domestic employment totaled less than
$1,000.

"Domestic employment" includes all service in the operation and maintenance of a
private household, for a local college club, or local chapter of a college fraternity or sorority
as distinguished from service as an employee in the pursuit of an employer's trade or business;

(18) employment of an individual by a son, daughter, or spouse, and employment of a
child under the age of 18 by the child's father or mother;

(19) employment of an inmate of a custodial or penal institution;

(20) employment for a school, college, or university, by a student who is enrolled and
whose primary relation to the school, college, or university is as a student. This does not
include an individual whose primary relation to the school, college, or university is as an
employee who also takes courses;

(21) employment of an individual who is enrolled as a student in a full-time program at
a nonprofit or public educational institution that maintains a regular faculty and curriculum
and has a regularly organized body of students in attendance at the place where its educational
activities are carried on, taken for credit at the institution, that combines academic instruction
with work experience, if the employment is an integral part of the program, and the institution
has so certified to the employer, except that this clause does not apply to employment in a
program established for or on behalf of an employer or group of employers;

(22) employment of a foreign college or university student who works on a seasonal or
temporary basis under the J-1 visa summer work travel program described in Code of Federal
Regulations, title 22, section 62.32;

(23) employment of university, college, or professional school students in an internship
or other training program with the city of St. Paul or the city of Minneapolis under Laws
1990, chapter 570, article 6, section 3;

(24) employment for a hospital by a patient of the hospital. "Hospital" means an institution
that has been licensed by the Department of Health as a hospital;

(25) employment as a student nurse for a hospital or a nurses' training school by an
individual who is enrolled and is regularly attending classes in an accredited nurses' training
school;

(26) employment as an intern for a hospital by an individual who has completed a
four-year course in an accredited medical school;

(27) employment as an insurance salesperson, by other than a corporate officer, if all
the wages from the employment is solely by way of commission. The word "insurance"
includes an annuity and an optional annuity;

(28) employment as an officer of a township mutual insurance company or farmer's
mutual insurance company under chapter 67A;

(29) employment of a corporate officer, if the officer directly or indirectly, including
through a subsidiary or holding company, owns 25 percent or more of the employer
corporation, and employment of a member of a limited liability company, if the member
directly or indirectly, including through a subsidiary or holding company, owns 25 percent
or more of the employer limited liability company;

(30) employment as a real estate salesperson, other than a corporate officer, if all the
wages from the employment is solely by way of commission;

(31) employment as a direct seller as defined in United States Code, title 26, section
3508;

(32) employment of an individual under the age of 18 in the delivery or distribution of
newspapers or shopping news, not including delivery or distribution to any point for
subsequent delivery or distribution;

(33) casual employment performed for an individual, other than domestic employment
under clause (17), that does not promote or advance that employer's trade or business;

(34) employment in "agricultural employment" unless it is "covered agricultural
employment" under subdivision 11; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

(35) if employment during one-half or more of any pay period was covered employment,
all the employment for the pay period is covered employment; but if during more than
one-half of any pay period the employment was noncovered employment, then all of the
employment for the pay period is noncovered employment. "Pay period" means a period
of not more than a calendar month for which a payment or compensation is ordinarily made
to the employee by the employer deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (36) employment of a foreign agricultural worker who works on a seasonal or temporary
basis under the H-2A visa temporary agricultural employment program described in Code
of Federal Regulations, title 20, section 655.
new text end

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 268A.15, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 8a. new text end

new text begin Provider rate increases. new text end

new text begin (a) Effective July 1, 2023, subject to the availability
of additional funding, an annual growth factor adjustment of no less than a three percent
increase for providers of extended employment services for persons with severe disabilities
shall be authorized. If there is sufficient funding appropriated, the commissioner shall
increase reimbursement rates by the percentage of this adjustment.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of management and budget must include an annual inflationary
adjustment in reimbursement rates for providers of extended employment services for
persons with severe disabilities as a budget change request in each biennial detailed
expenditure budget submitted to the legislature under section 16A.11.
new text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 357.021, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Transmittal of fees to commissioner of management and budget.

(a) Every
person, including the state of Minnesota and all bodies politic and corporate, who shall
transact any business in the district court, shall pay to the court administrator of said court
the sundry fees prescribed in subdivision 2. Except as provided in paragraph (d), the court
administrator shall transmit the fees monthly to the commissioner of management and budget
for deposit in the state treasury and credit to the general fund. deleted text begin $30 deleted text end new text begin $60 new text end of each fee collected
in a dissolution action under subdivision 2, clause (1), must be deposited by the commissioner
of management and budget in the special revenue fund and is appropriated to the
commissioner of employment and economic development for the Minnesota Family
Resiliency Partnership under section 116L.96.

(b) In a county which has a screener-collector position, fees paid by a county pursuant
to this subdivision shall be transmitted monthly to the county treasurer, who shall apply the
fees first to reimburse the county for the amount of the salary paid for the screener-collector
position. The balance of the fees collected shall then be forwarded to the commissioner of
management and budget for deposit in the state treasury and credited to the general fund.
In a county in a judicial district under section 480.181, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), which
has a screener-collector position, the fees paid by a county shall be transmitted monthly to
the commissioner of management and budget for deposit in the state treasury and credited
to the general fund. A screener-collector position for purposes of this paragraph is an
employee whose function is to increase the collection of fines and to review the incomes
of potential clients of the public defender, in order to verify eligibility for that service.

(c) No fee is required under this section from the public authority or the party the public
authority represents in an action for:

(1) child support enforcement or modification, medical assistance enforcement, or
establishment of parentage in the district court, or in a proceeding under section 484.702;

(2) civil commitment under chapter 253B;

(3) the appointment of a public conservator or public guardian or any other action under
chapters 252A and 525;

(4) wrongfully obtaining public assistance under section 256.98 or 256D.07, or recovery
of overpayments of public assistance;

(5) court relief under chapters 260, 260A, 260B, and 260C;

(6) forfeiture of property under sections 169A.63 and 609.531 to 609.5317;

(7) recovery of amounts issued by political subdivisions or public institutions under
sections 246.52, 252.27, 256.045, 256.25, 256.87, 256B.042, 256B.14, 256B.15, 256B.37,
260B.331, and 260C.331, or other sections referring to other forms of public assistance;

(8) restitution under section 611A.04; or

(9) actions seeking monetary relief in favor of the state pursuant to section 16D.14,
subdivision 5.

(d) $20 from each fee collected for child support modifications under subdivision 2,
clause (13), must be transmitted to the county treasurer for deposit in the county general
fund and $35 from each fee shall be credited to the state general fund. The fees must be
used by the county to pay for child support enforcement efforts by county attorneys.

(e) No fee is required under this section from any federally recognized Indian Tribe or
its representative in an action for:

(1) child support enforcement or modification, medical assistance enforcement, or
establishment of parentage in the district court or in a proceeding under section 484.702;

(2) civil commitment under chapter 253B;

(3) the appointment of a public conservator or public guardian or any other action under
chapters 252A and 525; or

(4) court relief under chapters 260, 260A, 260B, 260C, and 260D.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 469.40, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Public infrastructure project.

(a) "Public infrastructure project" means a
project financed in part or in whole with public money in order to support the medical
business entity's development plans, as identified in the DMCC development plan. A public
infrastructure project may:

(1) acquire real property and other assets associated with the real property;

(2) demolish, repair, or rehabilitate buildings;

(3) remediate land and buildings as required to prepare the property for acquisition or
development;

(4) install, construct, or reconstruct elements of public infrastructure required to support
the overall development of the destination medical center development district including deleted text begin , deleted text end
but not limited to deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin : new text end streets, roadways, utilities systems and related facilities deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end utility relocations
and replacements deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end network and communication systems deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end streetscape improvements deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end
drainage systems deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end sewer and water systems deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end subgrade structures and associated
improvements deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end landscaping deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end facade construction and restoration deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; design and predesign,
including architectural, engineering, and similar services; legal, regulatory, and other
compliance services; construction costs, including all materials and supplies; new text end wayfinding
and signage deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; community engagement; transit costs incurred on or after March 16, 2020; new text end
and other components of community infrastructure;

(5) acquire, construct or reconstruct, and equip parking facilities and other facilities to
encourage intermodal transportation and public transit;

(6) install, construct or reconstruct, furnish, and equip parks, cultural, and recreational
facilities, facilities to promote tourism and hospitality, conferencing and conventions, and
broadcast and related multimedia infrastructure;

(7) make related site improvements including, without limitation, excavation, earth
retention, soil stabilization and correction, and site improvements to support the destination
medical center development district;

(8) prepare land for private development and to sell or lease land;

(9) provide costs of relocation benefits to occupants of acquired properties; and

(10) construct and equip all or a portion of one or more suitable structures on land owned
by the city for sale or lease to private development; provided, however, that the portion of
any structure directly financed by the city as a public infrastructure project must not be sold
or leased to a medical business entity.

(b) A public infrastructure project is not a business subsidy under section 116J.993.

(c) Public infrastructure project includes the planning, preparation, and modification of
the development plan under section 469.43. The cost of that planning, preparation, and any
modification is a capital cost of the public infrastructure project.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 469.47, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given them.

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

(c) "Construction projects" means:

(1) for expenditures by a medical business entity, construction of buildings in the city
for which the building permit was issued after June 30, 2013; and

(2) for any other expenditures, construction of privately owned buildings and other
improvements that are undertaken pursuant to or as part of the development plan and are
located within a medical center development district.

(d) "Expenditures" means expenditures made by a medical business entity or by an
individual or private entity on construction projects for the capital cost of the project
including deleted text begin , deleted text end but not limited to:

(1) design and predesign, including architectural, engineering, and similar services;

(2) legal, regulatory, and other compliance costs of the project;

(3) land acquisition, demolition of existing improvements, and other site preparation
costs;

(4) construction costs, including all materials and supplies of the project; and

(5) equipment and furnishings that are attached to or become part of the real property.

Expenditures excludes supplies and other items with a useful life of less than a year that
are not used or consumed in constructing improvements to real property or are otherwise
chargeable to capital costs.

(e) "Qualified expenditures for the year" means the total certified expenditures since
June 30, 2013, through the end of the preceding year, minus $200,000,000.

(f) "Transit costs" means the portions of a public infrastructure project that are for public
transit intended primarily to serve the district, deleted text begin such as deleted text end new text begin including but not limited to buses
and other means of transit, new text end transit stations, equipment, new text begin bus charging stations or bus charging
equipment, new text end rights-of-way, and deleted text begin similar deleted text end costs new text begin permitted under section 469.40, subdivision
11. This provision includes transit costs incurred on or after March 16, 2020 new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 469.47, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

State transit aid.

(a) The city qualifies for state transit aid under this section
if the county contributes the required local matching contribution under subdivision 6 or
the city or county has agreed to make an equivalent contribution out of other funds for the
year.

(b) If the city qualifies for aid under paragraph (a), the commissioner must pay the city
the state transit aid in the amount calculated under this paragraph. The amount of the state
transit aid for a year equals the qualified expenditures for the year, as certified by the
commissioner, multiplied by 0.75 percent, deleted text begin reduced by deleted text end new text begin subject to new text end the amount of the new text begin required
new text end local contribution under subdivision 6. new text begin City or county contributions that are in excess of
this ratio carry forward and are credited toward subsequent years. new text end The maximum amount
of state transit aid payable in any year is limited to no more than $7,500,000. If the
commissioner determines that the city or county has not made the full required matching
local contribution for the year, the commissioner must pay state new text begin transit new text end aid only deleted text begin in proportion
to the amount of deleted text end new text begin for new text end the matching contribution made deleted text begin for the year deleted text end and any unpaid amount
is a carryover aid. The carryover aid must be paid in the first year after the required matching
contribution deleted text begin for that prior year deleted text end is made and in which the aid entitlement for the current year
is less than the maximum annual limit, but only to the extent the carryover, when added to
the current year aid, is less than the maximum annual limit.

(c) The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of management and budget,
and representatives of the city and the corporation, must establish a total limit on the amount
of state aid payable under this subdivision that will be adequate to finance, in combination
with the local contribution, $116,000,000 of transit costs.

(d) The city must use state transit aid it receives under this subdivision for transit costs.
The city must maintain appropriate records to document the use of the funds under this
requirement.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 517.08, subdivision 1c, is amended to read:

Subd. 1c.

Disposition of license fee.

(a) Of the civil marriage license fee collected
pursuant to subdivision 1b, paragraph (a), $25 must be retained by the county. The local
registrar must pay $90 to the commissioner of management and budget to be deposited as
follows:

(1) deleted text begin $55 deleted text end new text begin $25 new text end in the general fund;

(2) $3 in the state government special revenue fund to be appropriated to the
commissioner of public safety for parenting time centers under section 119A.37;

(3) $2 in the special revenue fund to be appropriated to the commissioner of health for
developing and implementing the MN ENABL program under section 145.9255;

(4) deleted text begin $25 deleted text end new text begin $55 new text end in the special revenue fund is appropriated to the commissioner of
employment and economic development for the Minnesota Family Resiliency Partnership
under section 116L.96; and

(5) $5 in the special revenue fund, which is appropriated to the Board of Regents of the
University of Minnesota for the Minnesota couples on the brink project under section 137.32.

(b) Of the $40 fee under subdivision 1b, paragraph (b), $25 must be retained by the
county. The local registrar must pay $15 to the commissioner of management and budget
to be deposited as follows:

(1) $5 as provided in paragraph (a), clauses (2) and (3); and

(2) $10 in the special revenue fund is appropriated to the commissioner of employment
and economic development for the Minnesota Family Resiliency Partnership under section
116L.96.

Sec. 23. new text begin MINNESOTA EMPLOYER REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FUND.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this
subdivision have the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Applicant" means any person, whether employed or unemployed, seeking or entering
into any arrangement for employment or change of employment with an eligible employer.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Eligible employer" means an employer domiciled within the legal boundaries of
Minnesota and having its principal place of business as identified in its certificate of
incorporation in the state of Minnesota who:
new text end

new text begin (1) employs not more than 500 employees on any business day during the preceding
calendar year; and
new text end

new text begin (2) generates $5,000,000 or less in gross annual revenue.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Employee" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 363A.03,
subdivision 15.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Individual with a disability" has the meaning given to "qualified disabled person"
in Minnesota Statutes, section 363A.03, subdivision 36.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Reasonable accommodation" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section
363A.08, subdivision 6.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Reimbursement grant program established. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish
a reasonable accommodation reimbursement grant program that reimburses eligible
employers for the cost of expenses incurred in providing reasonable accommodations for
individuals with a disability who are either applicants or employees of the eligible employer.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must develop forms and procedures for
soliciting and reviewing applications for reimbursement under this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) The program shall award reimbursements to eligible employers to the extent that
funds are available in the account established under subdivision 5 for this purpose.
new text end

new text begin (c) Applications shall be processed on a first-received, first-processed basis within each
fiscal year until funding is exhausted. Applications received after funding has been exhausted
in a fiscal year are not eligible for reimbursement.
new text end

new text begin (d) Documentation for reimbursement shall be provided by eligible employers in a form
approved by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Reimbursement awards. new text end

new text begin The maximum total reimbursement per eligible
employer in a fiscal year is $30,000 and:
new text end

new text begin (1) submissions for onetime reasonable accommodation expenses must be no less than
$250 and no more than $15,000 per individual with a disability; and
new text end

new text begin (2) submissions for ongoing reasonable accommodation expenses have no minimum or
maximum requirements.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Employer reasonable accommodation fund account established. new text end

new text begin The
employer reasonable accommodation fund account is created as an account in the special
revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes
of reimbursing eligible employers under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Technical assistance and consultation. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may provide
technical assistance regarding requests for reasonable accommodations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Administration and marketing costs. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may use up to 20
percent of the biennial appropriation for administration and marketing of this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Notification. new text end

new text begin By September 1, 2023, or within 60 days following final enactment,
whichever is later, and each year thereafter by June 30, the commissioner shall make publicly
available information regarding the availability of funds for reasonable accommodation
reimbursement and the procedure for requesting reimbursement under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Reports to the legislature. new text end

new text begin By January 15, 2024, and each January 15 thereafter
until expiration, the commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the house of representatives and the senate committees with jurisdiction over
workforce development that details the use of grant funds. This report must include data on
the number of employer reimbursements the program made in the preceding calendar year.
The report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number and type of accommodations requested;
new text end

new text begin (2) the cost of accommodations requested;
new text end

new text begin (3) the employers from which the requests were made;
new text end

new text begin (4) the number and type of accommodations that were denied and why;
new text end

new text begin (5) any remaining balance left in the account; and
new text end

new text begin (6) if the account was depleted, the date on which funds were exhausted and the number,
type, and cost of accommodations that were not reimbursed to employers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin This section expires June 30, 2025, or when money appropriated
for its purpose expires, whichever is later.
new text end

Sec. 24. new text begin ENGAGEMENT TO ADDRESS BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic development shall engage stakeholders
to identify barriers that adults with mental illness face in obtaining and retaining employment
and recommend strategies to address those barriers. The commissioner shall solicit feedback
from advocacy organizations for people with mental illness, mental health providers, people
with mental illness, organizations that support people with mental illness in obtaining
employment, and employers. The commissioner shall submit a plan to the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over employment and human services before February 1, 2024,
identifying the barriers to employment and making recommendations on how to best improve
the employment rate among people with mental illness.
new text end

Sec. 25. new text begin SOUTHWESTERN MINNESOTA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
SCHOLARSHIP PILOT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Southwest Initiative Foundation" or "foundation" means a nonprofit organization
that provides services to the following counties in southwest Minnesota: Big Stone,
Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker,
Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine, and
the Lower Sioux Indian Community and Upper Sioux Community.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Employer-sponsored applicant" means a student applicant with a local employer
scholarship equal to or greater than 25 percent of the workforce development scholarship.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Eligible student" means a student applicant who:
new text end

new text begin (1) is eligible for resident or nonresident tuition;
new text end

new text begin (2) is enrolling in an eligible program as determined by the regional workforce
development board; and
new text end

new text begin (3) is enrolling at least half-time at a Minnesota West college listed in subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Local employer" means an employer with a physical location in a county within the
service area of the foundation listed in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program established. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish a southwestern
Minnesota workforce development scholarship pilot program administered by the foundation
to assist in meeting the workforce challenges in southwest Minnesota and enhance long-term
economic self-sufficiency by connecting students, higher education facilities, employers,
and communities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grant to the Southwest Initiative Foundation. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall award
all grant funds to the foundation, which shall administer the southwestern Minnesota
workforce development scholarship pilot program. The foundation may use up to seven
percent of grant funds for administrative costs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Scholarship awards. new text end

new text begin (a) The foundation shall coordinate available funds and
award scholarships to the following Minnesota West colleges:
new text end

new text begin (1) Canby;
new text end

new text begin (2) Granite Falls;
new text end

new text begin (3) Pipestone;
new text end

new text begin (4) Worthington;
new text end

new text begin (5) Jackson;
new text end

new text begin (6) Luverne; and
new text end

new text begin (7) Marshall.
new text end

new text begin (b) Scholarships shall be coordinated by the individual colleges listed in paragraph (a)
and applied only after all other available grant funding through a last-dollar-in model.
new text end

new text begin (c) In awarding grants, priority shall first be given to applicants that are
program-continuing applicants. Priority shall then be given to employer-sponsored applicants.
new text end

new text begin (d) Scholarships are intended to supplement all other grant opportunities and to cover
the full cost of attendance to the eligible students.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Program eligibility. new text end

new text begin Scholarships shall be awarded to eligible students who
are enrolled in or enrolling in a high-demand occupation associate degree, diploma, or
certificate or industry-recognized credential program as defined annually by the applicable
regional workforce development board. Students must complete the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid if applicable to the program to which they are applying.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Renewal; cap. new text end

new text begin A student who has been awarded a scholarship may apply in
subsequent academic years, but total lifetime awards are not to exceed two full scholarships
per student. Students may only be awarded a second scholarship upon successful completion
of the program and subsequent work period requirement.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Administration. new text end

new text begin (a) The foundation and Minnesota West colleges shall establish
an application process and other guidelines for implementing the pilot program.
new text end

new text begin (b) Each college shall receive from their respective workforce development board by
December 1 of each year, commencing in 2023, a list of eligible programs administered by
the college that are eligible for subsequent year scholarships. The applicable workforce
development board must consider data based on a workforce shortage for full-time
employment requiring postsecondary education that is unique to the specific region, as
reported in the most recent Department of Employment and Economic Development job
vacancy survey data for the economic development region in which the college is located.
A workforce shortage area is one in which the job vacancy rate for full-time employment
in a specific occupation in a region is higher than the state average vacancy rate for that
same occupation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Scholarship recipient requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) A recipient of a scholarship awarded
under the program established in this section shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) be enrolled in a high-demand occupation associate degree, diploma, or certificate or
industry-recognized credential program as defined by the regional workforce development
board and offered by a Minnesota West college;
new text end

new text begin (2) adhere to any applicable participating local employer program requirements;
new text end

new text begin (3) commit to three years of full-time employment with:
new text end

new text begin (i) a sponsoring local employer; or
new text end

new text begin (ii) any qualified local employer within the high-demand occupations as defined by the
regional workforce development board; and
new text end

new text begin (4) fulfill the three-year full-time employment commitment in a county within the service
area of the foundation as listed in subdivision 1, paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) If a recipient of a scholarship fails to fulfill the requirements of paragraph (a), the
foundation may convert the scholarship to a loan. Amounts repaid from a loan shall be used
to fund scholarship awards under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Employer partnerships. new text end

new text begin The foundation and Minnesota West colleges shall
establish partnerships with qualified local employers and work to ensure that a percentage
of the state funds appropriated to each college for the southwestern Minnesota workforce
development scholarship program are equally matched with employer funds.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Report required. new text end

new text begin The foundation must submit an annual report by December
31 of each year regarding the scholarship program to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over employment and economic
development policy. The first report is due no later than December 31, 2023. The annual
report shall include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of students receiving a scholarship at each participating college during
the previous calendar year;
new text end

new text begin (2) the number of scholarships awarded for each program and type of program during
the previous calendar year;
new text end

new text begin (3) the number of scholarship recipients who completed a program of study or
certification;
new text end

new text begin (4) the number of scholarship recipients who secured employment by their graduation
date and those who secured employment within three months of their graduation date;
new text end

new text begin (5) a list of the colleges that received funding, the amount of funding each institution
received, and whether all withheld funds were distributed;
new text end

new text begin (6) a list of occupations scholarship recipients are entering;
new text end

new text begin (7) the number of students who were denied a scholarship;
new text end

new text begin (8) a list of participating local employers and amounts of any applicable employer
contributions; and
new text end

new text begin (9) a list of recommendations to the legislature regarding potential program improvements.
new text end

Sec. 26. new text begin UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FINE REDUCTION AND INTEREST
ELIMINATION.
new text end

new text begin By January 1, 2024, the commissioner of employment and economic development must
make recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over workforce
development for how the unemployment insurance system will reduce the fines and interest
applied to misrepresentation overpayments. The commissioner must provide a timeline for
implementing a reduction of the 40 percent fine to 15 percent and an elimination of the 12
percent interest rate.
new text end

ARTICLE 5

CAPITOL AREA

Section 1. new text begin CAPITOL AREA COMMUNITY VITALITY TASK FORCE;
APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Task force established; membership. new text end

new text begin (a) A Capitol Area Community
Vitality Task Force is established. The task force consists of the following members:
new text end

new text begin (1) the executive secretary of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board;
new text end

new text begin (2) one member of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, appointed by the
board;
new text end

new text begin (3) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house,
of whom one must be a member of the majority caucus of the house, and one must be a
member of the minority caucus of the house;
new text end

new text begin (4) two members of the senate appointed by the majority leader of the senate, of whom
one must be a member of the majority caucus of the senate, and one must be a member of
the minority caucus of the senate;
new text end

new text begin (5) four members who are residents, businesspeople, or members of local organizations
in the Capitol Area, appointed by the mayor of St. Paul; and
new text end

new text begin (6) one member of the public appointed by the governor.
new text end

new text begin (b) The task force must elect a chair and other officers from among its members.
Appointments to the task force must be made no later than July 15, 2023. The executive
secretary of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must convene the first
meeting of the task force no later than August 15, 2023.
new text end

new text begin (c) As used in this section, "Capitol Area" includes that part of the city of St. Paul within
the boundaries described in Minnesota Statutes, section 15B.02.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Terms; compensation. new text end

new text begin The terms and compensation of members of the task
force are governed by Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Administrative support. new text end

new text begin The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
must provide administrative support to assist the task force in its work.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Duties; report. new text end

new text begin The task force must consider and develop recommendations
for the administration, program plan, and oversight of the Capitol Area community vitality
account established by this act. The task force must submit its recommendations to the
Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board for approval. A report including the approved
recommendations must be submitted by the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the legislature with
jurisdiction over the board no later than February 1, 2024. The task force shall seek and
receive the approval of the St. Paul planning council district that includes the Capitol Area
before approving any construction work on the State Office Building.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision
6, the task force expires upon submission of the report required by subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Appropriation. new text end

new text begin $150,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general
fund to the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board to support the work of the task
force, including but not limited to payment of fees and other expenses necessary to retain
appropriate professional consultants, conduct public meetings, and facilitate other activities
as requested by the task force.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin CAPITOL AREA COMMUNITY VITALITY ACCOUNT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Account established; appropriation. new text end

new text begin (a) A Capitol Area community
vitality account is established in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is
appropriated to the commissioner of administration to improve the livability, economic
health, and safety of communities within the Capitol Area, provided that no funds may be
expended until a detailed program and oversight plan to govern their use, in accordance
with the spending recommendations of the Capitol Area Community Vitality Task Force
as approved by the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, has been further approved
by law.
new text end

new text begin (b) As used in this section, "Capitol Area" includes that part of the city of St. Paul within
the boundaries described in Minnesota Statutes, section 15B.02.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Appropriation. new text end

new text begin $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is transferred from the general
fund to the Capitol Area community vitality account.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION; CAPITOL AREA TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS.
new text end

new text begin (a) $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the
commissioner of administration for one or more grants to the city of St. Paul, Ramsey
County, or both, for road projects that improve the livability, economic health, and safety
of communities within the Capitol Area. Funded projects must be consistent with the
recommendations of the Capitol Area Community Vitality Task Force, as approved by the
Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board. This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (b) Funds under this section are available:
new text end

new text begin (1) for planning, predesign, design, engineering, environmental analysis and mitigation,
land acquisition, and reconstruction of streets and highways; and
new text end

new text begin (2) only upon approval of the expenditure by the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning
Board.
new text end

new text begin (c) For purposes of this section, "Capitol Area" means that part of the city of St. Paul
within the boundaries described in Minnesota Statutes, section 15B.02.
new text end

ARTICLE 6

APPROPRIATIONS; LABOR

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin (a) The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the
agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the
general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for
each purpose. The figures "2024" and "2025" used in this article mean that the appropriations
listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025,
respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2024. "The second year" is fiscal year 2025. "The
biennium" is fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
new text end

new text begin (b) If an appropriation in this article is enacted more than once in the 2023 regular or
special legislative session, the appropriation must be given effect only once.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2024 new text end		new text begin 2025 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 48,157,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 44,412,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 7,244,000 new text end	new text begin 4,854,000 new text end
new text begin Workers' Compensation new text end	new text begin 30,599,000 new text end	new text begin 32,390,000 new text end
new text begin Workforce Development new text end	new text begin 10,314,000 new text end	new text begin 7,168,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin General Support new text end

new text begin 8,765,000 new text end

new text begin 9,106,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the workers'
compensation fund.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Labor Standards new text end

new text begin 6,564,000 new text end

new text begin 6,235,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 5,001,000 new text end	new text begin 4,600,000 new text end
new text begin Workforce Development new text end	new text begin 1,563,000 new text end	new text begin 1,635,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $2,046,000 each year is for wage theft
prevention.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,563,000 the first year and $1,635,000
the second year are from the workforce
development fund for prevailing wage
enforcement.
new text end

new text begin (c) $268,000 the first year and $276,000 the
second year are for outreach and enforcement
efforts related to changes to the nursing
mothers, lactating employees, and pregnancy
accommodations law.
new text end

new text begin (d) $184,000 the first year and $142,000 the
second year are to strengthen workplace
protections for agricultural and food
processing workers.
new text end

new text begin (e) $50,000 the first year is for outreach and
education for the safe and skilled worker act,
which establishes minimum training standards
for contractors performing work at petroleum
refineries in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (f) $641,000 the first year and $322,000 the
second year are to perform work for the
Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board.
new text end

new text begin (g) $225,000 the first year and $169,000 the
second year are for the purposes of the Safe
Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing
Workers Act.
new text end

new text begin (h) $27,000 the first year is for the creation
and distribution of a veterans' benefits and
services poster under Minnesota Statutes,
section 181.536.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Workers' Compensation new text end

new text begin 15,190,000 new text end

new text begin 15,725,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the workers'
compensation fund.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Workplace Safety new text end

new text begin 8,644,000 new text end

new text begin 7,559,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 2,000,000 new text end	new text begin -0- new text end
new text begin Workers' Compensation new text end	new text begin 6,644,000 new text end	new text begin 7,559,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $477,000 the first year and $1,128,000 the
second year are from the workers'
compensation fund for education and outreach,
staffing, and technology development of the
ergonomics program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 182.677. The base
appropriation is $1,487,000 in fiscal year 2026
and $1,196,000 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

new text begin (b) $2,000,000 the first year is for the
ergonomics safety grant program. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.
This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (c) $115,000 the first year and $91,000 the
second year are from the workers'
compensation fund for enforcement and other
duties related to warehouse distribution
workers safety under Minnesota Statutes,
section 182.6526.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Workforce Development Initiatives new text end

new text begin 2,359,000 new text end

new text begin 2,371,000 new text end

new text begin (a) This appropriation is from the workforce
development fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $300,000 each year is from the workforce
development fund for the pipeline program.
new text end

new text begin (c) $200,000 each year is from the workforce
development fund for identification of
competency standards under Minnesota
Statutes, section 175.45.
new text end

new text begin (d) $1,500,000 each year is from the
workforce development fund for youth skills
training grants under Minnesota Statutes,
section 175.46.
new text end

new text begin (e) $359,000 the first year and $371,000 the
second year are from the workforce
development fund for administration of the
youth skills training grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 175.46.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Combative Sports new text end

new text begin 243,000 new text end

new text begin 254,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Apprenticeship new text end

new text begin 6,392,000 new text end

new text begin 3,162,000 new text end

new text begin (a) This appropriation is from the workforce
development fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,464,000 the first year and $1,534,000
the second year are from the workforce
development fund for the apprenticeship
program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter
178.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are from the workforce
development fund for labor education and
advancement program grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 178.11.
new text end

new text begin (d) $3,000,000 the first year is from the
workforce development fund for grants to
registered apprenticeship programs for clean
economy occupations. Of this amount, up to
five percent is for administration and
monitoring of the program. This appropriation
is onetime and available until June 30, 2026.
Grant money may be used to:
new text end

new text begin (1) purchase equipment or training materials
in clean technologies;
new text end

new text begin (2) fund instructor professional development
in clean technologies;
new text end

new text begin (3) design and refine curriculum in clean
technologies; and
new text end

new text begin (4) train apprentices and upskill incumbent
workers in clean technologies.
new text end

new text begin (e) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are from the workforce
development fund for a grant to Building
Strong Communities, Inc., for a statewide
apprenticeship readiness program to prepare
women, BIPOC community members, and
veterans to enter the building and construction
trades. These are onetime appropriations and
are not added to the base for this purpose.
new text end

new text begin (f) $228,000 the first year and $228,000 the
second year are from the workforce
development fund for grants to Building
Strong Communities, Inc., for the Helmets to
Hardhats Minnesota initiative. The following
requirements apply:
new text end

new text begin (1) grant money must be used to recruit, retain,
assist, and support National Guard, reserve,
and active duty military members' and
veterans' participation in apprenticeship
programs registered with the Department of
Labor and Industry and connect service
members and veterans with career training and
employment in the building and construction
industry. The recruitment, selection,
employment, and training must be without
discrimination due to race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, sex, sexual
orientation, marital status, physical or mental
disability, receipt of public assistance, or age;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) Building Strong Communities, Inc., must
report to the commissioner of labor and
industry and the chairs and ranking members
of the house of representatives and senate
committees overseeing labor and industry
policy and finance and veterans affairs policy
and finance by January 15 of each year on the
Helmets to Hardhats program. The report must
include an overview of the program's budget,
a detailed explanation of program
expenditures, the number of veterans and
service members that participated in
apprenticeship programs, the number of
veterans and service members that received
career training, the number of veterans and
service members that gained employment in
the building and construction industry, and an
audit completed by an independent auditor.
new text end

new text begin (g) $300,000 the first year is from the
workforce development fund for a grant to
Independent School District No. 294, Houston,
for the Minnesota Virtual Academy's career
pathways program with Operating Engineers
Local 49. This appropriation does not cancel
and is available until June 30, 2025. The
following requirements apply:
new text end

new text begin (1) the career pathways program must
encourage, support, and provide continuity for
student participation in structured career
pathways. The program may include up to five
semesters of coursework and must lead to
eligibility for the Operating Engineers Local
49 apprenticeship program. The career
pathways program must provide outreach to
and encourage participation in the program by
students of color, Indigenous students,
students from low-income families, students
located throughout Minnesota, and
underserved students;
new text end

new text begin (2) the grant may be used to encourage and
support student participation in the career
pathways program through additional
academic, counseling, and other support
services provided by the student's enrolling
school district. The Minnesota Virtual
Academy may contract with a student's
enrolling school district to provide these
services; and
new text end

new text begin (3) on January 15 of each year following the
receipt of a grant, Independent School District
No. 294, Houston, must submit a written
report to the legislative committees having
jurisdiction over education and workforce
development. A grant award and report must
be in accordance with the provisions of
Minnesota Statutes, sections 3.195 and
127A.20. The report must describe students'
experiences with the program; document the
program's spending and the number of students
participating in the program and entering into
the apprenticeship program; include
geographic and demographic information on
the program participants; make
recommendations to improve the support of
career pathways programs statewide; and make
recommendations to improve student
participation in career pathways programs.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT OF APPEALS new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 2,583,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 2,563,000 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the workers'
compensation fund.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin BUREAU OF MEDIATION SERVICES new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 3,707,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 3,789,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $750,000 each year is for purposes of the
Public Employment Relations Board under
Minnesota Statutes, section 179A.041.
new text end

new text begin (b) $68,000 each year is for grants to area
labor management committees. Grants may
be awarded for a 12-month period beginning
July 1 each year. Any unencumbered balance
remaining at the end of the first year does not
cancel but is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (c) $47,000 each year is for rulemaking,
staffing, and other costs associated with peace
officer grievance procedures.
new text end

ARTICLE 7

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING WORKERS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Compliance orders.

The commissioner may issue an order requiring an
employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.435, new text begin 179.86, new text end 181.02, 181.03, 181.031,
181.032, 181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d),
181.275, subdivision 2a, new text begin 181.635, new text end 181.722, 181.79, new text begin 181.85 to 181.89, new text end and 181.939 to
181.943, or with any rule promulgated under section 177.28. The commissioner shall issue
an order requiring an employer to comply with sections 177.41 to 177.435 if the violation
is repeated. For purposes of this subdivision only, a violation is repeated if at any time
during the two years that preceded the date of violation, the commissioner issued an order
to the employer for violation of sections 177.41 to 177.435 and the order is final or the
commissioner and the employer have entered into a settlement agreement that required the
employer to pay back wages that were required by sections 177.41 to 177.435. The
department shall serve the order upon the employer or the employer's authorized
representative in person or by certified mail at the employer's place of business. An employer
who wishes to contest the order must file written notice of objection to the order with the
commissioner within 15 calendar days after being served with the order. A contested case
proceeding must then be held in accordance with sections 14.57 to 14.69. If, within 15
calendar days after being served with the order, the employer fails to file a written notice
of objection with the commissioner, the order becomes a final order of the commissioner.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179.86, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

For the purpose of this section, "employer" means an employer
in the meatpacking new text begin or poultry processing new text end industry.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179.86, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Information provided to employee by employer.

(a) new text begin At the start of
employment, new text end an employer must provide an explanation in an employee's native language
of the employee's rights and duties as an employee deleted text begin either deleted text end new text begin both new text end person to person deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin and new text end
through written materials that, at a minimum, include:

(1) a complete description of the salary and benefits plans as they relate to the employee;

(2) a job description for the employee's position;

(3) a description of leave policies;

(4) a description of the work hours and work hours policy; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(5) a description of the occupational hazards known to exist for the position deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (6) when workers' compensation insurance coverage is required by chapter 176, the
name of the employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier, the carrier's telephone
number, and the insurance policy number.
new text end

(b) The explanation must also include information on the following employee rights as
protected by state or federal law and a description of where additional information about
those rights may be obtained:

(1) the right to organize and bargain collectively and refrain from organizing and
bargaining collectively;

(2) the right to a safe workplace; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(3) the right to be free from discrimination deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the right to workers' compensation insurance coverage.
new text end

new text begin (c) The Department of Labor and Industry shall provide a standard explanation form for
use at the employer's option for providing the information required in this subdivision. The
form shall be available in English and Spanish and additional languages upon request.
new text end

new text begin (d) The requirements under this subdivision are in addition to the requirements under
section 181.032.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179.86, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Civil action. new text end

new text begin An employee injured by a violation of this section has a cause of
action for damages for the greater of $1,000 per violation or twice the employee's actual
damages, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees. A damage award shall be the greater of
$1,400 or three times actual damages for an employee injured by an intentional violation
of this section.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179.86, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Fine. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of labor and industry shall fine an employer not less
than $400 or more than $1,000 for each violation of subdivision 3. The fine shall be payable
to the employee aggrieved.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.14, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Prompt payment required.

(a) When any such employee quits or resigns
employment, the wages or commissions earned and unpaid at the time the employee quits
or resigns shall be paid in full not later than the first regularly scheduled payday following
the employee's final day of employment, unless an employee is subject to a collective
bargaining agreement with a different provision. Wages are earned and unpaid if the
employee was not paid for all time worked at the employee's regular rate of pay or at the
rate required by law, including any applicable statute, regulation, rule, ordinance, government
resolution or policy, contract, or other legal authority, whichever rate of pay is greater. If
the first regularly scheduled payday is less than five calendar days following the employee's
final day of employment, full payment may be delayed until the second regularly scheduled
payday but shall not exceed a total of 20 calendar days following the employee's final day
of employment.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), in the case of migrant workers, as
defined in section 181.85, the wages or commissions earned and unpaid at the time the
employee quits or resigns shall become due and payable within deleted text begin five deleted text end new text begin three new text end days thereafter.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(a) "Employer" means a person who employs another to perform a service for hire.
Employer includes any agent or attorney of an employer who, for money or other valuable
consideration paid or promised to be paid, performs any recruiting.

(b) "Person" means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability
partnership, association, individual, or group of persons.

(c) "Recruits" means to induce an individual, directly or through an agent, to relocate
to Minnesota new text begin or within Minnesota new text end to work in food processing by an offer of employment new text begin
or of the possibility of employment new text end .

(d) "Food processing" means canning, packing, or otherwise processing poultry or meat
for consumption.

(e) "Terms and conditions of employment" means the following:

(1) nature of the work to be performed;

(2) wage rate, nature and amount of deductions for tools, clothing, supplies, or other
items;

(3) anticipated hours of work per week, including overtime;

(4) anticipated slowdown or shutdown or if hours of work per week vary more than 25
percent from clause (3);

(5) duration of the work;

(6) workers' compensation coverage and name, address, and telephone number of insurer
and Department of Labor and Industry;

(7) employee benefits available, including any health plans, sick leave, or paid vacation;

(8) transportation and relocation arrangements with allocation of costs between employer
and employee;

(9) availability and description of housing and any costs to employee associated with
housing; and

(10) any other item of value offered, and allocation of costs of item between employer
and employee.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Recruiting; required disclosure.

new text begin (a) new text end An employer shall provide written
disclosure of the terms and conditions of employment to a person at the time it recruits the
person to relocate to work in the food processing industry. The disclosure requirement does
not apply to an exempt employee as defined in United States Code, title 29, section 213(a)(1).
The disclosure must be written in English and Spanish, new text begin or another language if the person's
preferred language is not Spanish, new text end dated and signed by the employer and the person recruited,
and maintained by the employer for deleted text begin two deleted text end new text begin three new text end years. A copy of the signed and completed
disclosure must be delivered immediately to the recruited person. The disclosure may not
be construed as an employment contract.

new text begin (b) The requirements under this subdivision are in addition to the requirements under
section 181.032.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Civil action.

A person injured by a violation of this section has a cause of action
for damages for the greater of deleted text begin $500 deleted text end new text begin $1,000 new text end per violation or twice their actual damages, plus
costs and reasonable attorney's fees. A damage award shall be the greater of deleted text begin $750 deleted text end new text begin $1,400 new text end
or three times actual damages for a person injured by an intentional violation of this section.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Fine.

The Department of Labor and Industry shall fine an employer not less
than deleted text begin $200 deleted text end new text begin $400 new text end or more than deleted text begin $500 deleted text end new text begin $1,000 new text end for each violation of this section. new text begin The fine shall
be payable to the employee aggrieved.
new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.635, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Standard disclosure form.

The Department of Labor and Industry shall provide
a standard form for use at the employer's option in making the disclosure required in
subdivision 2. The form shall be available in English and Spanish new text begin and additional languages
upon request new text end .

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.85, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Agricultural labor.

"Agricultural labor" means field labor associated with the
cultivation and harvest of fruits and vegetables and work performed in processing fruits and
vegetables for market new text begin , as well as labor performed in agriculture as defined in Minnesota
Rules, part 5200.0260 new text end .

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.85, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Employer.

"Employer" means deleted text begin a processor of fruits or vegetables deleted text end new text begin an individual,
partnership, association, corporation, business trust, or any person or group of persons new text end that
employs, either directly or indirectly through a recruiter, deleted text begin more than 30 deleted text end new text begin one or more new text end migrant
workers deleted text begin per deleted text end deleted text begin day for more than seven days deleted text end in any calendar year.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.86, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Terms.

new text begin (a) new text end An employer that recruits a migrant worker shall provide the
migrant worker, at the time the worker is recruited, with a written employment statement
which shall state clearly and plainly, in English and Spanish new text begin , or another language if the
worker's preferred language is not Spanish new text end :

(1) the date on which and the place at which the statement was completed and provided
to the migrant worker;

(2) the name and permanent address of the migrant worker, of the employer, and of the
recruiter who recruited the migrant worker;

(3) the date on which the migrant worker is to arrive at the place of employment, the
date on which employment is to begin, the approximate hours of employment, and the
minimum period of employment;

(4) the crops and the operations on which the migrant worker will be employed;

(5) the wage rates to be paid;

(6) the payment terms, as provided in section 181.87;

(7) any deduction to be made from wages; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(8) whether housing will be provided deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (9) when workers' compensation insurance coverage is required by chapter 176, the
name of the employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier, the carrier's telephone
number, and the insurance policy number.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Department of Labor and Industry shall provide a standard employment statement
form for use at the employer's option for providing the information required in subdivision
1. The form shall be available in English and Spanish and additional languages upon request.
new text end

new text begin (c) The requirements under this subdivision are in addition to the requirements under
section 181.032.
new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.87, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Biweekly pay.

The employer shall pay wages due to the migrant worker at
least every two weeks, except on termination, when the employer shall pay within three
days new text begin unless payment is required sooner pursuant to section 181.13 new text end .

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.87, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Guaranteed hours.

The employer shall guarantee to each recruited migrant
worker a minimum of 70 hours pay for work in any two successive weeks and, should the
pay for hours actually offered by the employer and worked by the migrant worker provide
a sum of pay less than the minimum guarantee, the employer shall pay the migrant worker
the difference within three days after the scheduled payday for the pay period involved.
Payment for the guaranteed hours shall be at the hourly wage rate, if any, specified in the
employment statement, or the federal new text begin , state, or local new text end minimum wage, whichever is deleted text begin higher deleted text end new text begin
highest new text end . Any pay in addition to the hourly wage rate specified in the employment statement
shall be applied against the guarantee. This guarantee applies for the minimum period of
employment specified in the employment statement beginning with the date on which
employment is to begin as specified in the employment statement. The date on which
employment is to begin may be changed by the employer by written, telephonic, or
telegraphic notice to the migrant worker, at the worker's last known new text begin physical new text end address new text begin or
email address new text end , no later than ten days prior to the previously stated beginning date. The
migrant worker shall contact the recruiter to obtain the latest information regarding the date
upon which employment is to begin no later than five days prior to the previously stated
beginning date. This guarantee shall be reduced, when there is no work available for a period
of seven or more consecutive days during any two-week period subsequent to the
commencement of work, by five hours pay for each such day, when the unavailability of
work is caused by climatic conditions or an act of God, provided that the employer pays
the migrant worker, on the normal payday, the sum of deleted text begin $5 deleted text end new text begin $50 new text end for each such day.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.87, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Statement itemizing deductions from wages.

The employer shall provide a
written statement at the time wages are paid clearly itemizing each deduction from wages. new text begin
The written statement shall also comply with all other requirements for an earnings statement
in section 181.032.
new text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.88, is amended to read:

181.88 RECORD KEEPING.

Every employer subject to the provisions of sections 181.85 to 181.90 shall maintain
complete and accurate records deleted text begin of the names of, the daily hours worked by, the rate of pay
for and the wages paid each pay period to deleted text end new text begin for new text end every individual migrant worker recruited by
that employer deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin as required by section 177.30 new text end and shall deleted text begin preserve the records deleted text end new text begin also maintain
the employment statements required under section 181.86 new text end for a period of at least three years.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.89, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Judgment; damages.

If the court finds that any defendant has violated the
provisions of sections 181.86 to 181.88, the court shall enter judgment for the actual damages
incurred by the plaintiff or the appropriate penalty as provided by this subdivision, whichever
is greater. The court may also award court costs and a reasonable attorney's fee. The penalties
shall be as follows:

(1) whenever the court finds that an employer has violated the record-keeping
requirements of section 181.88, deleted text begin $50 deleted text end new text begin $200 new text end ;

(2) whenever the court finds that an employer has recruited a migrant worker without
providing a written employment statement as provided in section 181.86, subdivision 1,
deleted text begin $250 deleted text end new text begin $800 new text end ;

(3) whenever the court finds that an employer has recruited a migrant worker after having
provided a written employment statement, but finds that the employment statement fails to
comply with the requirement of section 181.86, subdivision 1 or section 181.87, deleted text begin $250 deleted text end new text begin $800 new text end ;

(4) whenever the court finds that an employer has failed to comply with the terms of an
employment statement which the employer has provided to a migrant worker or has failed
to comply with any payment term required by section 181.87, deleted text begin $500 deleted text end new text begin $1,600 new text end ;

(5) whenever the court finds that an employer has failed to pay wages to a migrant worker
within a time period set forth in section 181.87, subdivision 2 or 3, deleted text begin $500 deleted text end new text begin $1,600 new text end ; and

(6) whenever penalties are awarded, they shall be awarded severally in favor of each
migrant worker plaintiff and against each defendant found liable.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.89, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Enforcement. new text end

new text begin In addition to any other remedies available, the commissioner
may assess the penalties in subdivision 2 and provide the penalty to the migrant worker
aggrieved by the employer's noncompliance.
new text end

ARTICLE 8

NURSING HOME WORKFORCE STANDARDS

Section 1. new text begin TITLE.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes, sections 181.211 to 181.217, shall be known as the "Minnesota
Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Act."
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Compliance orders.

The commissioner may issue an order requiring an
employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.435, 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 181.032,
181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d), new text begin 181.214
to 181.217, new text end 181.275, subdivision 2a, 181.722, 181.79, and 181.939 to 181.943, or with any
rule promulgated under section 177.28 new text begin , 181.213, or 181.215 new text end . The commissioner shall issue
an order requiring an employer to comply with sections 177.41 to 177.435 if the violation
is repeated. For purposes of this subdivision only, a violation is repeated if at any time
during the two years that preceded the date of violation, the commissioner issued an order
to the employer for violation of sections 177.41 to 177.435 and the order is final or the
commissioner and the employer have entered into a settlement agreement that required the
employer to pay back wages that were required by sections 177.41 to 177.435. The
department shall serve the order upon the employer or the employer's authorized
representative in person or by certified mail at the employer's place of business. An employer
who wishes to contest the order must file written notice of objection to the order with the
commissioner within 15 calendar days after being served with the order. A contested case
proceeding must then be held in accordance with sections 14.57 to 14.69. If, within 15
calendar days after being served with the order, the employer fails to file a written notice
of objection with the commissioner, the order becomes a final order of the commissioner.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Employer liability.

If an employer is found by the commissioner to have
violated a section identified in subdivision 4, or any rule adopted under section 177.28 new text begin ,
181.213, or 181.215 new text end , and the commissioner issues an order to comply, the commissioner
shall order the employer to cease and desist from engaging in the violative practice and to
take such affirmative steps that in the judgment of the commissioner will effectuate the
purposes of the section or rule violated. The commissioner shall order the employer to pay
to the aggrieved parties back pay, gratuities, and compensatory damages, less any amount
actually paid to the employee by the employer, and for an additional equal amount as
liquidated damages. Any employer who is found by the commissioner to have repeatedly
or willfully violated a section or sections identified in subdivision 4 shall be subject to a
civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation for each employee. In determining the amount
of a civil penalty under this subdivision, the appropriateness of such penalty to the size of
the employer's business and the gravity of the violation shall be considered. In addition, the
commissioner may order the employer to reimburse the department and the attorney general
for all appropriate litigation and hearing costs expended in preparation for and in conducting
the contested case proceeding, unless payment of costs would impose extreme financial
hardship on the employer. If the employer is able to establish extreme financial hardship,
then the commissioner may order the employer to pay a percentage of the total costs that
will not cause extreme financial hardship. Costs include but are not limited to the costs of
services rendered by the attorney general, private attorneys if engaged by the department,
administrative law judges, court reporters, and expert witnesses as well as the cost of
transcripts. Interest shall accrue on, and be added to, the unpaid balance of a commissioner's
order from the date the order is signed by the commissioner until it is paid, at an annual rate
provided in section 549.09, subdivision 1, paragraph (c). The commissioner may establish
escrow accounts for purposes of distributing damages.

Sec. 4.

new text begin [181.211] DEFINITIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin The terms defined in this section apply to sections 181.211
to 181.217.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Board. new text end

new text begin "Board" means the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards
Board established under section 181.212.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Certified worker organization. new text end

new text begin "Certified worker organization" means a
worker organization that is certified by the board to conduct nursing home worker trainings
under section 181.214.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Compensation. new text end

new text begin "Compensation" means all income and benefits paid by a
nursing home employer to a nursing home worker or on behalf of a nursing home worker,
including but not limited to wages, bonuses, differentials, paid leave, pay for scheduling
changes, and pay for training or occupational certification.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Employer organization. new text end

new text begin "Employer organization" means:
new text end

new text begin (1) an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(6)
of the Internal Revenue Code and that represents nursing home employers; or
new text end

new text begin (2) an entity that employers, who together employ a majority of nursing home workers
in Minnesota, have selected as a representative.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Nursing home. new text end

new text begin "Nursing home" means a nursing home licensed under chapter
144A, or a boarding care home licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Nursing home employer. new text end

new text begin "Nursing home employer" means an employer of
nursing home workers in a licensed, Medicaid-certified facility that is reimbursed under
chapter 256R.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Nursing home worker. new text end

new text begin "Nursing home worker" means any worker who provides
services in a nursing home in Minnesota, including direct care staff, non-direct care staff,
and contractors, but excluding administrative staff, medical directors, nursing directors,
physicians, and individuals employed by a supplemental nursing services agency.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Worker organization. new text end

new text begin "Worker organization" means an organization that is
exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(5) of
the Internal Revenue Code, that is not interfered with or dominated by any nursing home
employer within the meaning of United States Code, title 29, section 158a(2), and that has
at least five years of demonstrated experience engaging with and advocating for nursing
home workers.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [181.212] MINNESOTA NURSING HOME WORKFORCE STANDARDS
BOARD; ESTABLISHMENT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Board established; membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The Minnesota Nursing Home
Workforce Standards Board is created with the powers and duties established by law. The
board is composed of the following voting members:
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioner of human services or a designee;
new text end

new text begin (2) the commissioner of health or a designee;
new text end

new text begin (3) the commissioner of labor and industry or a designee;
new text end

new text begin (4) three members who represent nursing home employers or employer organizations,
appointed by the governor in accordance with section 15.066; and
new text end

new text begin (5) three members who represent nursing home workers or worker organizations,
appointed by the governor in accordance with section 15.066.
new text end

new text begin (b) In making appointments under clause (4), the governor shall consider the geographic
distribution of nursing homes within the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Terms; vacancies. new text end

new text begin (a) Board members appointed under subdivision 1, clause
(4) or (5), shall serve four-year terms following the initial staggered-lot determination.
new text end

new text begin (b) For members appointed under subdivision 1, clause (4) or (5), the governor shall fill
vacancies occurring prior to the expiration of a member's term by appointment for the
unexpired term. A member appointed under subdivision 1, clause (4) or (5), must not be
appointed to more than two consecutive terms.
new text end

new text begin (c) A member serves until a successor is appointed.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Chairperson. new text end

new text begin The board shall elect a member by majority vote to serve as its
chairperson and shall determine the term to be served by the chairperson.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Staffing. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may employ an executive director for the board
and other personnel to carry out duties of the board under sections 181.211 to 181.217.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Board compensation. new text end

new text begin Compensation of board members is governed by section
15.0575.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Application of other laws. new text end

new text begin Meetings of the board are subject to chapter 13D.
The board is subject to chapter 13. The board shall comply with section 15.0597.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Voting. new text end

new text begin The affirmative vote of five board members is required for the board
to take any action, including actions necessary to establish minimum nursing home
employment standards under section 181.213.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Hearings and investigations. new text end

new text begin To carry out its duties, the board shall hold public
hearings on, and conduct investigations into, working conditions in the nursing home industry
in accordance with section 181.213.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Department support. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall provide staff support to the
board. The support includes professional, legal, technical, and clerical staff necessary to
perform rulemaking and other duties assigned to the board. The commissioner shall supply
necessary office space and supplies to assist the board in its duties.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Antitrust compliance. new text end

new text begin The board shall establish operating procedures that
meet all state and federal antitrust requirements and may prohibit board member access to
data to meet the requirements of this subdivision.
new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [181.213] DUTIES OF THE BOARD; MINIMUM NURSING HOME
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Authority to establish minimum nursing home employment
standards. new text end

new text begin (a) The board must adopt rules establishing minimum nursing home employment
standards that are reasonably necessary and appropriate to protect the health and welfare
of nursing home workers, to ensure that nursing home workers are properly trained about
and fully informed of their rights under sections 181.211 to 181.217, and to otherwise satisfy
the purposes of sections 181.211 to 181.217. Standards established by the board must include
standards on compensation for nursing home workers, and may include recommendations
under paragraph (c). The board may not adopt standards that are less protective of or
beneficial to nursing home workers as any other applicable statute or rule or any standard
previously established by the board unless there is a determination by the board under
subdivision 2 that existing standards exceed the operating payment rate and external fixed
costs payment rates included in the most recent budget and economic forecast completed
under section 16A.103. In establishing standards under this section, the board must establish
statewide standards, and may adopt standards that apply to specific nursing home occupations.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must adopt rules establishing initial standards for wages for nursing home
workers no later than August 1, 2024. The board may use the authority in section 14.389
to adopt rules under this paragraph. The board shall consult with the department in the
development of these standards prior to beginning the rule adoption process.
new text end

new text begin (c) To the extent that any minimum standards that the board finds are reasonably
necessary and appropriate to protect the health and welfare of nursing home workers fall
within the jurisdiction of chapter 182, the board shall not adopt rules establishing the
standards but shall instead recommend the occupational health and safety standards to the
commissioner. The commissioner shall adopt nursing home health and safety standards
under section 182.655 as recommended by the board, unless the commissioner determines
that the recommended standard is outside the statutory authority of the commissioner,
presents enforceability challenges, is infeasible to implement, or is otherwise unlawful and
issues a written explanation of this determination.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Investigation of market conditions. new text end

new text begin (a) The board must investigate market
conditions and the existing wages, benefits, and working conditions of nursing home workers
for specific geographic areas of the state and specific nursing home occupations. Based on
this information, the board must seek to adopt minimum nursing home employment standards
that meet or exceed existing industry conditions for a majority of nursing home workers in
the relevant geographic area and nursing home occupation. Except for standards exceeding
the threshold determined in paragraph (d), initial employment standards established by the
board are effective beginning January 1, 2025, and shall remain in effect until any subsequent
standards are adopted by rules.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must consider the following types of information in making determinations
that employment standards are reasonably necessary to protect the health and welfare of
nursing home workers:
new text end

new text begin (1) wage rate and benefit data collected by or submitted to the board for nursing home
workers in the relevant geographic area and nursing home occupations;
new text end

new text begin (2) statements showing wage rates and benefits paid to nursing home workers in the
relevant geographic area and nursing home occupations;
new text end

new text begin (3) signed collective bargaining agreements applicable to nursing home workers in the
relevant geographic area and nursing home occupations;
new text end

new text begin (4) testimony and information from current and former nursing home workers, worker
organizations, nursing home employers, and employer organizations;
new text end

new text begin (5) local minimum nursing home employment standards;
new text end

new text begin (6) information submitted by or obtained from state and local government entities; and
new text end

new text begin (7) any other information pertinent to establishing minimum nursing home employment
standards.
new text end

new text begin (c) In considering wage and benefit increases, the board must determine the impact of
nursing home operating payment rates determined pursuant to section 256R.21, subdivision
3, and the employee benefits portion of the external fixed costs payment rate determined
pursuant to section 256R.25. If the board, in consultation with the commissioner of human
services, determines the operating payment rate and employee benefits portion of the external
fixed costs payment rate will increase to comply with the new employment standards, the
board shall report to the legislature the increase in funding needed to increase payment rates
to comply with the new employment standards and must make implementation of any new
nursing home employment standards contingent upon an appropriation, as determined by
sections 256R.21 and 256R.25, to fund the rate increase necessary to comply with the new
employment standards.
new text end

new text begin (d) In evaluating the impact of the employment standards on payment rates determined
by sections 256R.21 and 256R.25, the board, in consultation with the commissioner of
human services, must consider the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) the statewide average wage rates for employees pursuant to section 256R.10,
subdivision 5, and benefit rates pursuant to section 256R.02, subdivisions 18 and 22, as
determined by the annual Medicaid cost report used to determine the operating payment
rate and the employee benefits portion of the external fixed costs payment rate for the first
day of the calendar year immediately following the date the board has established minimum
wage and benefit levels;
new text end

new text begin (2) compare the results of clause (1) to the operating payment rate and employee benefits
portion of the external fixed costs payment rate increase for the first day of the second
calendar year after the adoption of any nursing home employment standards included in the
most recent budget and economic forecast completed under section 16A.103; and
new text end

new text begin (3) if the established nursing home employment standards result in an increase in costs
that exceed the operating payment rate and external fixed costs payment rate increase
included in the most recent budget and economic forecast completed under section 16A.103,
effective on the proposed implementation date of the new nursing home employment
standards, the board must determine the rates will need to be increased to meet the new
employment standards and the standards must not be effective until an appropriation sufficient
to cover the rate increase and federal approval of the rate increase is obtained.
new text end

new text begin (e) The budget and economic forecasts completed under section 16A.103 shall not
assume an increase in payment rates determined under chapter 256R resulting from the new
employment standards until the board certifies the rates will need to be increased and the
legislature appropriates funding for the increase in payment rates.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Review of standards. new text end

new text begin At least once every two years, the board shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) conduct a full review of the adequacy of the minimum nursing home employment
standards previously established by the board; and
new text end

new text begin (2) following that review, adopt new rules, amend or repeal existing rules, or make
recommendations to adopt new rules or amend or repeal existing rules for minimum nursing
home employment standards using the expedited rulemaking process in section 14.389, as
appropriate to meet the purposes of sections 181.211 to 181.217.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Variance and waiver. new text end

new text begin The board shall adopt procedures for considering
temporary variances and waivers of the established standards for individual nursing homes
based on the board's evaluation of the risk of closure due to compliance with all or part of
an applicable standard.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Conflict. new text end

new text begin (a) In the event of a conflict between a standard established by the
board in rule and a rule adopted by another state agency, the rule adopted by the board shall
apply to nursing home workers and nursing home employers.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), in the event of a conflict between a standard
established by the board in rule and a rule adopted by another state agency, the rule adopted
by the other state agency shall apply to nursing home workers and nursing home employers
if the rule adopted by the other state agency is adopted after the board's standard and the
rule adopted by the other state agency is more protective or beneficial than the board's
standard.
new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if the commissioner of health determines that a
standard established by the board in rule or recommended by the board conflicts with
requirements in federal regulations for nursing home certification or with state statutes or
rules governing licensure of nursing homes, the federal regulations or state nursing home
licensure statutes or rules shall take precedence, and the conflicting board standard or rule
shall not apply to nursing home workers or nursing home employers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Effect on other agreements. new text end

new text begin Nothing in sections 181.211 to 181.217 shall be
construed to:
new text end

new text begin (1) limit the rights of parties to a collective bargaining agreement to bargain and agree
with respect to nursing home employment standards; or
new text end

new text begin (2) diminish the obligation of a nursing home employer to comply with any contract,
collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefit program or plan that meets or
exceeds, and does not conflict with, the minimum standards and requirements in sections
181.211 to 181.217 or established by the board.
new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [181.214] DUTIES OF THE BOARD; TRAINING FOR NURSING HOME
WORKERS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Certification of worker organizations. new text end

new text begin The board shall certify worker
organizations that it finds are qualified to provide training to nursing home workers according
to this section. The board shall by rule establish certification criteria that a worker
organization must meet in order to be certified and provide a process for renewal of
certification upon the board's review of the worker organization's compliance with this
section. In adopting rules to establish certification criteria under this subdivision, the board
may use the authority in section 14.389. The criteria must ensure that a worker organization,
if certified, is able to provide:
new text end

new text begin (1) effective, interactive training on the information required by this section; and
new text end

new text begin (2) follow-up written materials and responses to inquiries from nursing home workers
in the languages in which nursing home workers are proficient.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Curriculum. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall establish requirements for the curriculum for
the nursing home worker training required by this section. A curriculum must at least provide
the following information to nursing home workers:
new text end

new text begin (1) the applicable compensation and working conditions in the minimum standards or
local minimum standards established by the board;
new text end

new text begin (2) the antiretaliation protections established in section 181.216;
new text end

new text begin (3) information on how to enforce sections 181.211 to 181.217 and on how to report
violations of sections 181.211 to 181.217 or of standards established by the board, including
contact information for the Department of Labor and Industry, the board, and any local
enforcement agencies, and information on the remedies available for violations;
new text end

new text begin (4) the purposes and functions of the board and information on upcoming hearings,
investigations, or other opportunities for nursing home workers to become involved in board
proceedings;
new text end

new text begin (5) other rights, duties, and obligations under sections 181.211 to 181.217;
new text end

new text begin (6) any updates or changes to the information provided according to clauses (1) to (5)
since the most recent training session;
new text end

new text begin (7) any other information the board deems appropriate to facilitate compliance with
sections 181.211 to 181.217; and
new text end

new text begin (8) information on labor standards in other applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules,
and ordinances regarding nursing home working conditions or nursing home worker health
and safety.
new text end

new text begin (b) Before establishing initial curriculum requirements, the board must hold at least one
public hearing to solicit input on the requirements.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Topics covered in training session. new text end

new text begin A certified worker organization is not
required to cover all of the topics listed in subdivision 2 in a single training session. A
curriculum used by a certified worker organization may provide instruction on each topic
listed in subdivision 2 over the course of up to three training sessions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Annual review of curriculum requirements. new text end

new text begin The board must review the
adequacy of its curriculum requirements at least annually and must revise the requirements
as appropriate to meet the purposes of sections 181.211 to 181.217. As part of each annual
review of the curriculum requirements, the board must hold at least one public hearing to
solicit input on the requirements.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Duties of certified worker organizations. new text end

new text begin A certified worker organization:
new text end

new text begin (1) must use a curriculum for its training sessions that meets requirements established
by the board;
new text end

new text begin (2) must provide trainings that are interactive and conducted in the languages in which
the attending nursing home workers are proficient;
new text end

new text begin (3) must, at the end of each training session, provide attending nursing home workers
with follow-up written or electronic materials on the topics covered in the training session,
in order to fully inform nursing home workers of their rights and opportunities under sections
181.211 to 181.217;
new text end

new text begin (4) must make itself reasonably available to respond to inquiries from nursing home
workers during and after training sessions; and
new text end

new text begin (5) may conduct surveys of nursing home workers who attend a training session to assess
the effectiveness of the training session and industry compliance with sections 181.211 to
181.217 and other applicable laws, rules, and ordinances governing nursing home working
conditions or worker health and safety.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Nursing home employer duties regarding training. new text end

new text begin (a) A nursing home
employer must submit written documentation to the board to certify that every two years
each of its nursing home workers completes one hour of training that meets the requirements
of this section and is provided by a certified worker organization. A nursing home employer
may but is not required to host training sessions on the premises of the nursing home.
new text end

new text begin (b) If requested by a certified worker organization, a nursing home employer must, after
a training session provided by the certified worker organization, provide the certified worker
organization with the names and contact information of the nursing home workers who
attended the training session, unless a nursing home worker opts out according to paragraph
(c).
new text end

new text begin (c) A nursing home worker may opt out of having the worker's nursing home employer
provide the worker's name and contact information to a certified worker organization that
provided a training session attended by the worker by submitting a written statement to that
effect to the nursing home employer.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Training compensation. new text end

new text begin A nursing home employer must compensate its nursing
home workers at their regular hourly rate of wages and benefits for each hour of training
completed as required by this section and reimburse any reasonable travel expenses associated
with attending training sessions not held on the premises of the nursing home.
new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [181.215] REQUIRED NOTICES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Provision of notice. new text end

new text begin (a) Nursing home employers must provide notices
informing nursing home workers of the rights and obligations provided under sections
181.211 to 181.217 of applicable minimum nursing home employment standards and local
minimum standards and that for assistance and information, nursing home workers should
contact the Department of Labor and Industry. A nursing home employer must provide
notice using the same means that the nursing home employer uses to provide other
work-related notices to nursing home workers. Provision of notice must be at least as
conspicuous as:
new text end

new text begin (1) posting a copy of the notice at each work site where nursing home workers work
and where the notice may be readily seen and reviewed by all nursing home workers working
at the site; or
new text end

new text begin (2) providing a paper or electronic copy of the notice to all nursing home workers and
applicants for employment as a nursing home worker.
new text end

new text begin (b) The notice required by this subdivision must include text provided by the board that
informs nursing home workers that they may request the notice to be provided in a particular
language. The nursing home employer must provide the notice in the language requested
by the nursing home worker. The board must assist nursing home employers in translating
the notice in the languages requested by their nursing home workers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Minimum content and posting requirements. new text end

new text begin The board must adopt rules
under section 14.389 specifying the minimum content and posting requirements for the
notices required in subdivision 1. The board must make available to nursing home employers
a template or sample notice that satisfies the requirements of this section and rules adopted
under this section.
new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [181.216] RETALIATION PROHIBITED.
new text end

new text begin (a) A nursing home employer shall not discharge, discipline, penalize, interfere with,
threaten, restrain, coerce, or otherwise retaliate or discriminate against a nursing home
worker because the person has exercised or attempted to exercise rights protected under
this act, including but not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) exercising any right afforded to the nursing home worker under sections 181.211 to
181.217;
new text end

new text begin (2) participating in any process or proceeding under sections 181.211 to 181.217,
including but not limited to board hearings, board or department investigations, or other
related proceedings;
new text end

new text begin (3) attending or participating in the training required by section 181.214;
new text end

new text begin (4) informing another employer that a nursing home worker has engaged in activities
protected under sections 181.211 to 181.217; or
new text end

new text begin (5) reporting or threatening to report the actual or suspected citizenship or immigration
status of a nursing home worker, former nursing home worker, or family member of a
nursing home worker to a federal, state, or local agency for exercising or attempting to
exercise any right protected under this act.
new text end

new text begin (b) A nursing home worker found to have experienced retaliation in violation of this
section shall be entitled to reinstatement to the worker's previous position, wages, benefits,
hours, and other conditions of employment.
new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [181.217] ENFORCEMENT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Minimum nursing home employment standards. new text end

new text begin Except as provided
in section 181.213, subdivision 4, paragraph (b) or (c), the minimum wages and other
compensation established by the board in rule as minimum nursing home employment
standards shall be the minimum wages and other compensation for nursing home workers
or a subgroup of nursing home workers as a matter of state law. Except as provided in
section 181.213, subdivision 4, paragraph (b) or (c), it shall be unlawful for a nursing home
employer to employ a nursing home worker for lower wages or other compensation than
that established as the minimum nursing home employment standards.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Investigations. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may investigate possible violations of sections
181.214 to 181.217 or of the minimum nursing home employment standards established by
the board whenever it has cause to believe that a violation has occurred, either on the basis
of a report of a suspected violation or on the basis of any other credible information, including
violations found during the course of an investigation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Civil action by nursing home worker. new text end

new text begin (a) One or more nursing home workers
may bring a civil action in district court seeking redress for violations of sections 181.211
to 181.217 or of any applicable minimum nursing home employment standards or local
minimum nursing home employment standards. Such an action may be filed in the district
court of the county where a violation or violations are alleged to have been committed or
where the nursing home employer resides, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction,
and may represent a class of similarly situated nursing home workers.
new text end

new text begin (b) Upon a finding of one or more violations, a nursing home employer shall be liable
to each nursing home worker for the full amount of the wages, benefits, and overtime
compensation, less any amount the nursing home employer is able to establish was actually
paid to each nursing home worker, and for an additional equal amount as liquidated damages.
In an action under this subdivision, nursing home workers may seek damages and other
appropriate relief provided by section 177.27, subdivision 7, or otherwise provided by law,
including reasonable costs, disbursements, witness fees, and attorney fees. A court may also
issue an order requiring compliance with sections 181.211 to 181.217 or with the applicable
minimum nursing home employment standards or local minimum nursing home employment
standards. A nursing home worker found to have experienced retaliation in violation of
section 181.216 shall be entitled to reinstatement to the worker's previous position, wages,
benefits, hours, and other conditions of employment.
new text end

new text begin (c) An agreement between a nursing home employer and nursing home worker or labor
union that fails to meet the minimum standards and requirements in sections 181.211 to
181.217 or established by the board is not a defense to an action brought under this
subdivision.
new text end

Sec. 11. new text begin INITIAL APPOINTMENTS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The governor shall make initial appointments to the Minnesota Nursing Home
Workforce Standards Board under Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, no later than August
1, 2023.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision 2, the initial terms
of members appointed under Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision 1, paragraph
(a), clauses (4) and (5), shall be determined by lot by the secretary of state and shall be as
follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) one member appointed under each of Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision
1, paragraph (a), clauses (4) and (5), shall serve a two-year term;
new text end

new text begin (2) one member appointed under each of Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision
1, paragraph (a), clauses (4) and (5), shall serve a three-year term; and
new text end

new text begin (3) one member appointed under each of Minnesota Statutes, section 181.212, subdivision
1, paragraph (a), clauses (4) and (5), shall serve a four-year term.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of labor and industry must convene the first meeting within 30 days after
the governor completes appointments to the board. The board must elect a chair at its first
meeting.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 9

PETROLEUM REFINERY SKILLED WORKERS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Compliance orders.

The commissioner may issue an order requiring an
employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.435, 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 181.032,
181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d), 181.275,
subdivision 2a, 181.722, 181.79, deleted text begin and deleted text end 181.939 to 181.943, new text begin and 181.987, new text end or with any rule
promulgated under section 177.28. The commissioner shall issue an order requiring an
employer to comply with sections 177.41 to 177.435 new text begin or 181.987 new text end if the violation is repeated.
For purposes of this subdivision only, a violation is repeated if at any time during the two
years that preceded the date of violation, the commissioner issued an order to the employer
for violation of sections 177.41 to 177.435 new text begin or 181.987 new text end and the order is final or the
commissioner and the employer have entered into a settlement agreement that required the
employer to pay back wages that were required by sections 177.41 to 177.435. The
department shall serve the order upon the employer or the employer's authorized
representative in person or by certified mail at the employer's place of business. An employer
who wishes to contest the order must file written notice of objection to the order with the
commissioner within 15 calendar days after being served with the order. A contested case
proceeding must then be held in accordance with sections 14.57 to 14.69. If, within 15
calendar days after being served with the order, the employer fails to file a written notice
of objection with the commissioner, the order becomes a final order of the commissioner.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [181.987] USE OF SKILLED AND TRAINED CONTRACTOR
WORKFORCES AT PETROLEUM REFINERIES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Contractor" means a vendor that enters into or seeks to enter into a contract with
an owner or operator of a petroleum refinery to perform construction, alteration, demolition,
installation, repair, maintenance, or hazardous material handling work at the site of the
petroleum refinery. Contractor includes all contractors or subcontractors of any tier
performing work as described in this paragraph at the site of the petroleum refinery.
Contractor does not include employees of the owner or operator of a petroleum refinery.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Registered apprenticeship program" means an apprenticeship program registered
with the Department of Labor and Industry under chapter 178 or with the United States
Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship or a recognized state apprenticeship agency
under Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, parts 29 and 30.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Skilled and trained workforce" means a workforce in which each employee of the
contractor or subcontractor of any tier working at the site of the petroleum refinery in an
apprenticeable occupation in the building and construction trades meets one of the following
criteria:
new text end

new text begin (1) is currently registered as an apprentice in a registered apprenticeship program in the
applicable trade;
new text end

new text begin (2) has graduated from a registered apprenticeship program in the applicable trade;
new text end

new text begin (3) has completed all of the related instruction and on-the-job learning requirements
needed to graduate from the registered apprenticeship program their employer participates
in; or
new text end

new text begin (4) has at least five years of experience working in the applicable trade and is currently
participating in journeyworker upgrade training in a registered apprenticeship program in
the applicable trade or has completed any training identified as necessary by the registered
apprenticeship training program for the employee to become a qualified journeyworker in
the applicable trade.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Petroleum refinery" means a facility engaged in producing gasoline, kerosene,
distillate fuel oils, residual fuel oil, lubricants, or other products through distillation of
petroleum or through redistillation, cracking, or reforming of unfinished petroleum
derivatives. Petroleum refinery includes fluid catalytic cracking unit catalyst regenerators,
fluid catalytic cracking unit incinerator-waste heat boilers, fuel gas combustion devices,
and indirect heating equipment associated with the refinery.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Apprenticeable occupation" means any trade, form of employment, or occupation
approved for apprenticeship by the commissioner of labor and industry or the United States
Secretary of Labor.
new text end

new text begin (g) "OEM" means original equipment manufacturer and refers to organizations that
manufacture or fabricate equipment for sale directly to purchasers or other resellers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Use of contractors by owner, operator; requirement. new text end

new text begin (a) An owner or operator
of a petroleum refinery shall, when contracting with contractors for the performance of
construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, maintenance, or hazardous material
handling work at the site of the petroleum refinery, require that the contractors performing
that work, and any subcontractors of any tier, use a skilled and trained workforce when
performing that work at the site of the petroleum refinery. The requirement to use a safe
and skilled workforce under this section shall apply to each contractor and subcontractor
of any tier when performing construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair,
maintenance, or hazardous material handling work at the site of the petroleum refinery.
new text end

new text begin (b) The requirement under this subdivision applies only when each contractor and
subcontractor of any tier is performing work at the site of the petroleum refinery.
new text end

new text begin (c) The requirement under this subdivision does not apply when an owner or operator
contracts with contractors or subcontractors hired to install OEM equipment and to perform
OEM work to comply with equipment warranty requirements.
new text end

new text begin (d) A contractor's workforce must meet the requirements of subdivision 1, paragraph
(d), according to the following schedule:
new text end

new text begin (1) 30 percent by January 1, 2024;
new text end

new text begin (2) 45 percent by January 1, 2025; and
new text end

new text begin (3) 60 percent by January 1, 2026.
new text end

new text begin (e) If a contractor is required under a collective bargaining agreement to hire workers
referred by a labor organization for the petroleum refinery worksite, and the labor
organization is unable to refer sufficient workers for the contractor to comply with the
applicable percentage provided in subdivision 2, paragraph (d), within 48 hours of the
contractor's request excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the contractor shall be
relieved of the obligation to comply with the applicable percentage and shall use the
maximum percentage of a skilled and trained workforce that is available to the contractor
from the labor organization's referral procedure. The contractor shall comply with the
applicable percentage provided in subdivision 2, paragraph (d), once the labor organization
is able to refer sufficient workers for the contractor to comply with the applicable percentage.
new text end

new text begin (f) This section shall not apply to a contractor to the extent that an emergency makes
compliance with this section impracticable for the contractor because the emergency requires
immediate action by the contractor to prevent harm to public health or safety or to the
environment. The requirements of this section shall apply to the contractor once the
emergency ends or it becomes practicable for the contractor to obtain a skilled and trained
workforce for the refinery worksite, whichever occurs sooner.
new text end

new text begin (g) An owner or operator is exempt from this section if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the owner or operator has entered into a project labor agreement with a council of
building trades labor organizations requiring participation in registered apprenticeship
programs, or all contractors and subcontractors of any tier have entered into bona fide
collective bargaining agreements with labor organizations requiring participation in registered
apprenticeship programs; and
new text end

new text begin (2) all contracted work at the petroleum refinery that is subject to this section is also
subject to the project labor agreement or collective bargaining agreements requiring
participation in such registered apprenticeship programs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Penalties. new text end

new text begin (a) The Division of Labor Standards shall receive complaints of
violations of this section. The commissioner of labor and industry shall fine an owner or
operator, contractor, or subcontractor of any tier not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000
for each violation of the requirements in this section. An owner or operator, contractor, or
subcontractor of any tier shall be considered an employer for purposes of section 177.27.
new text end

new text begin (b) An owner or operator shall be found in violation of this section, and subject to fines
and other penalties, for failing to:
new text end

new text begin (1) require a skilled and trained workforce in its contracts and subcontracts as required
by subdivision 2, paragraph (a); or
new text end

new text begin (2) enforce the requirement of use of a skilled and trained workforce as required by
subdivision 2, paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin (c) A contractor or subcontractor shall be found in violation of this section, and subject
to fines and other penalties, if the contractor or subcontractor fails to use a skilled and trained
workforce as required by subdivision 2, paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin (d) Each shift on which a violation of this section occurs shall be considered a separate
violation. This fine is in addition to any penalties provided under section 177.27, subdivision
7. In determining the amount of a fine under this subdivision, the appropriateness of the
fine to the size of the violator's business and the gravity of the violation shall be considered.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2024, and applies to contracts
entered into, extended, or renewed on or after that date. Existing contracts entered into
before January 1, 2024, must be renegotiated to comply with Minnesota Statutes, section
181.987, by January 1, 2025.
new text end

ARTICLE 10

COMBATIVE SPORTS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Combatant.

"Combatant" means an individual who employs the act of attack
and defense as a new text begin professional new text end boxer, new text begin professional or amateur new text end tough person, deleted text begin martial artist deleted text end new text begin
professional or amateur kickboxer new text end , or new text begin professional or amateur new text end mixed martial artist while
engaged in a combative sport.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Combative sport.

"Combative sport" means a sport that employs the act of
attack and defense with the fists, with or without using padded gloves, or feet that is practiced
as a sport under the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, unified rules for mixed
martial arts, or their equivalent. Combative sports include professional boxing deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , new text end
professional and amateur tough person new text begin , professional or amateur kickboxing, new text end and professional
and amateur mixed martial arts contests.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 2c, is amended to read:

Subd. 2c.

Combative sports contest.

"Combative sports contest" means a professional
boxing, a professional or amateur tough person, new text begin a professional or amateur kickboxing, new text end or
a professional or amateur deleted text begin martial art contest or deleted text end mixed martial arts contest, bout, competition,
match, or exhibition.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 4f, is amended to read:

Subd. 4f.

Martial art.

"Martial art" means a variety of weaponless disciplines of combat
or self-defense that utilize physical skill and coordination, and are practiced as combat
sports. The disciplines include, but are not limited to, Wing Chun, deleted text begin kickboxing, deleted text end Tae kwon
do, savate, karate, deleted text begin Muay Thai, deleted text end sanshou, Jiu Jitsu, judo, ninjitsu, kung fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,
wrestling, grappling, tai chi, and other weaponless martial arts disciplines.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 4i. new text end

new text begin Kickboxing. new text end

new text begin "Kickboxing" means the act of attack and defense with the fists
using padded gloves and bare feet.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Tough person contest.

"Tough person contest," including contests marketed
as tough man or tough woman contests, means a deleted text begin contest of two-minute rounds consisting
of not more than four rounds between two or more individuals who use their hands, or their
feet, or both in any manner. Tough person contest includes kickboxing and other recognized
martial art contest deleted text end new text begin boxing match or similar contest where each combatant wears headgear
and gloves that weigh at least 12 ounces new text end .

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.221, is amended to read:

341.221 ADVISORY COUNCIL.

(a) The commissioner must appoint a Combative Sports Advisory Council to advise the
commissioner on the administration of duties under this chapter.

(b) The council shall have deleted text begin nine deleted text end new text begin five new text end members appointed by the commissioner. deleted text begin One
member must be a retired judge of the Minnesota District Court, Minnesota Court of Appeals,
Minnesota Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota,
or the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. At least four deleted text end new text begin All five new text end members must have knowledge
of deleted text begin the boxing industry. At least four members must have knowledge of the mixed martial
arts industry deleted text end new text begin combative sports new text end . The commissioner shall make serious efforts to appoint
qualified women to serve on the council.

deleted text begin (c) Council members shall serve terms of four years with the terms ending on the first
Monday in January.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The council shall annually elect from its membership a chair.

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Meetings shall be convened by the commissioner, or by the chair with the approval
of the commissioner.

deleted text begin (f) The commissioner shall designate two of the members to serve until the first Monday
in January 2013; two members to serve until the first Monday in January 2014; two members
to serve until the first Monday in January 2015; and three members to serve until the first
Monday in January 2016.
deleted text end

new text begin (e) Appointments to the council and the terms of council members are governed by
sections 15.059 and 15.0597.
new text end

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end Removal of members, filling of vacancies, and compensation of members shall
be as provided in section 15.059.

new text begin (g) Meetings convened for the purpose of advising the commissioner on issues related
to a challenge filed under section 341.345 are exempt from the open meeting requirements
of chapter 13D.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.25, is amended to read:

341.25 RULES.

(a) The commissioner may adopt rules that include standards for the physical examination
and condition of combatants and referees.

(b) The commissioner may adopt other rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this
chapter, including, but not limited to, the conduct of all combative sport contests and their
manner, supervision, time, and place.

deleted text begin (c) The commissioner must adopt unified rules for mixed martial arts contests.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) The commissioner may adopt the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions,
with amendments.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The new text begin most recent version of the new text end Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, as
promulgated by the Association of Boxing Commissions deleted text begin and amended August 2, 2016, are deleted text end new text begin ,
is new text end incorporated by reference and made a part of this chapter except as qualified by this
chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 2202. In the event of a conflict between this chapter
and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.

new text begin (d) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Boxing, as promulgated by the
Association of Boxing Commissions, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this
chapter except as qualified by this chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 2201. In the event
of a conflict between this chapter and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.
new text end

new text begin (e) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Kickboxing, as promulgated by the
Association of Boxing Commissions, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this
chapter except as qualified by this chapter and any applicable Minnesota Rules. In the event
of a conflict between this chapter and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.27, is amended to read:

341.27 COMMISSIONER DUTIES.

The commissioner shall:

(1) issue, deny, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses;

(2) make and maintain records of its acts and proceedings including the issuance, denial,
renewal, suspension, or revocation of licenses;

(3) keep public records of the council open to inspection at all reasonable times;

(4) develop rules to be implemented under this chapter;

(5) conform to the rules adopted under this chapter;

(6) develop policies and procedures for regulating boxing new text begin , kickboxing, new text end and mixed martial
arts;

new text begin (7) approve regulatory bodies to oversee martial arts and amateur boxing contests under
section 341.28, subdivision 5;
new text end

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (8) new text end immediately suspend an individual license for a medical condition, including but
not limited to a medical condition resulting from an injury sustained during a match, bout,
or contest that has been confirmed by the ringside physician. The medical suspension must
be lifted after the commissioner receives written information from a physician licensed in
the home state of the licensee indicating that the combatant may resume competition, and
any other information that the commissioner may by rule require. Medical suspensions are
not subject to section 326B.082 or the contested case procedures provided in sections 14.57
to 14.69; and

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end immediately suspend an individual combatant license for a mandatory rest period,
which must commence at the conclusion of every combative sports contest in which the
license holder competes and does not receive a medical suspension. A rest suspension must
automatically lift after 14 calendar days from the date the combative sports contest passed
without notice or additional proceedings. Rest suspensions are not subject to section 326B.082
or the contested case procedures provided in sections 14.57 to 14.69.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Regulatory authority; tough person contests.

All professional and amateur
tough person contests are subject to this chapter. All tough person contests are subject to
new text begin the most recent version of the Unified Rules of Boxing, as promulgated by the new text end Association
of Boxing Commissions deleted text begin rules deleted text end . Every contestant in a tough person contest shall have a
physical examination prior to their bouts. Every contestant in a tough person contest shall
wear new text begin headgear and new text end padded gloves that weigh at least 12 ounces. deleted text begin All tough person bouts are
limited to two-minute rounds and a maximum of four total rounds. deleted text end Officials at all tough
person contests shall be licensed under this chapter.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Regulatory authority; mixed martial arts contests deleted text begin ; similar sporting
events deleted text end .

All professional and amateur mixed martial arts contests deleted text begin , martial arts contests except
amateur contests regulated by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), recognized
martial arts studios and schools in Minnesota, and recognized national martial arts
organizations holding contests between students, ultimate fight contests, and similar sporting
events deleted text end are subject to this chapter and all officials at these events must be licensed under this
chapter.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Regulatory authority; kickboxing contests. new text end

new text begin All professional and amateur
kickboxing contests are subject to this chapter and all officials at these events must be
licensed under this chapter.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Regulatory authority; martial arts and amateur boxing. new text end

new text begin (a) Unless this
chapter specifically states otherwise, contests or exhibitions for martial arts and amateur
boxing are exempt from the requirements of this chapter and officials at these events are
not required to be licensed under this chapter.
new text end

new text begin (b) Martial arts and amateur boxing contests, unless subject to the exceptions set forth
in subdivision 6, must be regulated by a nationally recognized organization approved by
the commissioner. The organization must have a set of written standards, procedures, or
rules used to sanction the combative sports it oversees.
new text end

new text begin (c) Any regulatory body overseeing a martial arts or amateur boxing event must submit
bout results to the commissioner within 72 hours after the event. If the regulatory body
issues suspensions, the regulatory body must submit to the commissioner a list of any
suspensions resulting from the event within 72 hours after the event. Regulatory bodies that
oversee combative sports or martial arts contests under subdivision 6 are not subject to this
paragraph.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Regulatory authority; certain students. new text end

new text begin Combative sports or martial arts
contests regulated by the Minnesota State High School League, National Collegiate Athletic
Association, National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association, National Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics, or any similar organization that governs interscholastic athletics
are not subject to this chapter and officials at these events are not required to be licensed
under this chapter.
new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.30, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Prelicensure requirements.

(a) Before the commissioner issues a promoter's
license to an individual, corporation, or other business entity, the applicant shall deleted text begin , a minimum
of six weeks before the combative sport contest is scheduled to occur, deleted text end complete a licensing
application on the Office of Combative Sports website or on forms deleted text begin furnished or approved deleted text end new text begin
prescribed new text end by the commissioner and shall:

deleted text begin (1) provide the commissioner with a copy of any agreement between a combatant and
the applicant that binds the applicant to pay the combatant a certain fixed fee or percentage
of the gate receipts;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (1) new text end show on the licensing application the owner or owners of the applicant entity and
the percentage of interest held by each owner holding a 25 percent or more interest in the
applicant;

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end provide the commissioner with a copy of the latest financial statement of the
applicant;

deleted text begin (4) provide the commissioner with a copy or other proof acceptable to the commissioner
of the insurance contract or policy required by this chapter;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end provide proof, where applicable, of authorization to do business in the state of
Minnesota; and

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end deposit with the commissioner a deleted text begin cash bond or deleted text end surety bond in an amount set by
the commissioner, which must not be less than $10,000. The bond shall be executed in favor
of this state and shall be conditioned on the faithful performance by the promoter of the
promoter's obligations under this chapter and the rules adopted under it.

(b) Before the commissioner issues a license to a combatant, the applicant shall:

(1) submit to the commissioner the results of deleted text begin a deleted text end current medical deleted text begin examination deleted text end new text begin examinations new text end
on forms deleted text begin furnished or approved deleted text end new text begin prescribed new text end by the commissioner new text begin that state that the combatant
is cleared to participate in a combative sport contest new text end . deleted text begin The medical examination must include
an ophthalmological and neurological examination, and documentation of test results for
HBV, HCV, and HIV, and any other blood test as the commissioner by rule may require.
The ophthalmological examination must be designed to detect any retinal defects or other
damage or condition of the eye that could be aggravated by combative sports. The
neurological examination must include an electroencephalogram or medically superior test
if the combatant has been knocked unconscious in a previous contest. The commissioner
may also order an electroencephalogram or other appropriate neurological or physical
examination before any contest if it determines that the examination is desirable to protect
the health of the combatant. The commissioner shall not issue a license to an applicant
submitting positive test results for HBV, HCV, or HIV; deleted text end new text begin The applicant must undergo and
submit the results of the following medical examinations, which do not exempt a combatant
from the requirements in section 341.33:
new text end

new text begin (i) a physical examination performed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic
medicine, advance practice nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. Physical examinations
are valid for one year from the date of the exam;
new text end

new text begin (ii) an ophthalmological examination performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist
that includes dilation designed to detect any retinal defects or other damage or a condition
of the eye that could be aggravated by combative sports. Ophthalmological examinations
are valid for one year from the date of the exam;
new text end

new text begin (iii) blood work results for HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), HCV (Hepatitis C
antibody), and HIV. Blood work results are good for one year from the date blood was
drawn. The commissioner shall not issue a license to an applicant submitting positive test
results for HBsAg, HCV, or HIV; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) other appropriate neurological or physical examinations before any contest, if the
commissioner determines that the examination is desirable to protect the health of the
combatant;
new text end

(2) complete a licensing application on the Office of Combative Sports website or on
forms deleted text begin furnished or approved deleted text end new text begin prescribed new text end by the commissioner; and

(3) provide proof that the applicant is 18 years of age. Acceptable proof is a photo driver's
license, state photo identification card, passport, or birth certificate combined with additional
photo identification.

new text begin (c) Before the commissioner issues a license to a referee, judge, or timekeeper, the
applicant must submit proof of qualifications that may include certified training from the
Association of Boxing Commissions, licensure with other regulatory bodies, professional
references, or a log of bouts worked.
new text end

new text begin (d) Before the commissioner issues a license to a ringside physician, the applicant must
submit proof that they are licensed to practice medicine in the state of Minnesota and in
good standing.
new text end

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Expiration and application.

Licenses new text begin issued on or after January 1, 2023, shall
new text end expire deleted text begin annually on December 31 deleted text end new text begin one year after the date of issuance new text end . A license may be
applied for each year by filing an application for licensure and satisfying all licensure
requirements established in section 341.30, and submitting payment of the license fees
established in section 341.321. An application for a license and renewal of a license must
be on a form provided by the commissioner.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.321, is amended to read:

341.321 FEE SCHEDULE.

(a) The fee schedule for professional and amateur licenses issued by the commissioner
is as follows:

(1) referees, $25;

(2) promoters, deleted text begin $700 deleted text end new text begin $500 new text end ;

(3) judges and knockdown judges, $25;

(4) trainers and seconds, deleted text begin $80 deleted text end new text begin $40 new text end ;

(5) timekeepers, $25;

(6) professional combatants, deleted text begin $70 deleted text end new text begin $55 new text end ;

(7) amateur combatants, deleted text begin $50 deleted text end new text begin $35 new text end ; and

(8) ringside physicians, $25.

deleted text begin License fees for promoters are due at least six weeks prior to the combative sport contest. deleted text end
All deleted text begin other deleted text end license fees shall be paid no later than the weigh-in prior to the contest. No license
may be issued until all prelicensure requirements new text begin in section 341.30 new text end are satisfied and fees
are paid.

(b) deleted text begin The commissioner shall establish a contest fee for each combative sport contest and
shall consider the size and type of venue when establishing a contest fee. The deleted text end new text begin A promoter
or event organizer of an event regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry must pay,
per event, a new text end combative sport contest fee deleted text begin is $1,500 per event deleted text end new text begin of $500 new text end or deleted text begin not more than deleted text end four
percent of the gross ticket sales, whichever is greater deleted text begin , as determined by the commissioner
when the combative sport contest is scheduled deleted text end . new text begin The fee must be paid as follows:
new text end

deleted text begin (c) A professional or amateur combative sport contest fee is nonrefundable and shall be
paid as follows:
deleted text end

(1) $500 at the time the combative sport contest is scheduled; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) $1,000 at the weigh-in prior to the contest.
deleted text end

new text begin (2) if four percent of the gross ticket sales is greater than $500, the balance is due to the
commissioner within 14 days of the completed contest; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the value of all complimentary tickets distributed for an event, to the extent they
exceed five percent of total event attendance, counts toward gross tickets sales for the
purposes of determining a combative sports contest fee. For purposes of this clause, the
lowest advertised ticket price shall be used to calculate the value of complimentary tickets.
new text end

deleted text begin If four percent of the gross ticket sales is greater than $1,500, the balance is due to the
commissioner within seven days of the completed contest.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) The commissioner may establish the maximum number of complimentary tickets
allowed for each event by rule.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end All fees and penalties collected by the commissioner must be deposited in the
commissioner account in the special revenue fund.

Sec. 18.

new text begin [341.322] PAYMENT SCHEDULE.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner may establish a schedule of payments to be paid by a promoter to
referees, judges and knockdown judges, timekeepers, and ringside physicians.
new text end

Sec. 19.

new text begin [341.323] EVENT APPROVAL.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Preapproval documentation. new text end

new text begin Before the commissioner approves a
combative sports contest, the promoter shall provide the commissioner, at least six weeks
before the combative sport contest is scheduled to occur, information about the time, date,
and location of the contest and at least 72 hours before the combative sport contest is
scheduled to occur:
new text end

new text begin (1) a copy of any agreement between a combatant and the promoter that binds the
promoter to pay the combatant a certain fixed fee or percentage of the gate receipts;
new text end

new text begin (2) a copy or other proof acceptable to the commissioner of the insurance contract or
policy required by this chapter;
new text end

new text begin (3) proof acceptable to the commissioner that the promoter will provide, at the cost of
the promoter, at least one uniformed security guard or uniformed off-duty member of law
enforcement to provide security at any event regulated by the Department of Labor and
Industry. The commissioner may require a promoter to take additional security measures
to ensure the safety of participants and spectators at an event; and
new text end

new text begin (4) proof acceptable to the commissioner that the promoter will provide an ambulance
service as required by section 341.324.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Proper licensure. new text end

new text begin Before the commissioner approves a combative sport contest,
the commissioner must ensure that the promoter is properly licensed under this chapter.
The promoter must maintain proper licensure from the time it schedules a combative sports
contest through the date of the contest.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Discretion. new text end

new text begin Nothing in this section limits the commissioner's discretion in
deciding whether to approve a combative sport contest or event.
new text end

Sec. 20.

new text begin [341.324] AMBULANCE.
new text end

new text begin A promoter must ensure, at the cost of the promoter, that a licensed ambulance service
with two emergency medical technicians is on the premises during a combative sports
contest.
new text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.33, is amended to read:

341.33 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIRED; FEES.

Subdivision 1.

Examination by physician.

All combatants must be examined by a
physician licensed by this state within 36 hours before entering the ring, and the examining
physician shall immediately file with the commissioner a written report of the examination.
new text begin Each female combatant shall take and submit a negative pregnancy test as part of the
examination. new text end The physician's examination may report on the condition of the combatant's
heart and general physical and general neurological condition. The physician's report may
record the condition of the combatant's nervous system and brain as required by the
commissioner. The physician may prohibit the combatant from entering the ring if, in the
physician's professional opinion, it is in the best interest of the combatant's health. The cost
of the examination is payable by the promoter conducting the contest or exhibition.

Subd. 2.

Attendance of physician.

A promoter holding or sponsoring a combative sport
contest shall have in attendance a physician licensed by deleted text begin this state deleted text end new text begin Minnesota new text end . deleted text begin The
commissioner may establish a schedule of fees to be paid to each attending physician by
the promoter holding or sponsoring the contest.
deleted text end

Sec. 22.

new text begin [341.331] PROHIBITED PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUBSTANCES
AND TESTING.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Performance enhancing substances and masking agents prohibited. new text end

new text begin All
combatants are prohibited from using the substances listed in the following classes contained
in the World Anti-Doping Code published by the World Anti-Doping Agency, unless a
combatant meets an applicable exception set forth therein:
new text end

new text begin (1) S0, nonapproved substances;
new text end

new text begin (2) S1, anabolic agents;
new text end

new text begin (3) S2, peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances and mimetics;
new text end

new text begin (4) S3, beta-2 agonists;
new text end

new text begin (5) S4, hormone and metabolic modulators; and
new text end

new text begin (6) S5, diuretics and masking agents.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Testing. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may administer drug testing to discover violations
of subdivision 1 as follows:
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner may require a combatant to submit to a drug test to determine if
substances are present in the combatant's system in violation of subdivision 1. This testing
may occur at any time after the official weigh-in, on the day of the contest in which the
combatant is participating, or within 24 hours of competing in a combative sports contest
in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may require testing based
on reasonable cause or random selection. Grounds for reasonable cause includes observing
or receiving credible information that a combatant has used prohibited performance enhancing
drugs. If testing is based on random selection, both combatants competing in a selected bout
shall submit to a drug test.
new text end

new text begin (b) Specimens may include urine, hair samples, or blood. Specimens shall be tested at
a facility acceptable to the commissioner. Results of all drug tests shall be submitted directly
to the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) The promoter shall pay the costs relating to drug testing combatants. Any requests
for follow-up or additional testing must be paid by the combatant.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Discipline. new text end

new text begin (a) If a combatant fails to provide a sample for drug testing when
required, and the request is made before a bout, the combatant shall not be allowed to
compete in the bout. If the request is made after a bout, and the combatant fails to provide
a sample for drug testing, the combatant shall be subject to disciplinary action under section
341.29.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a combatant's specimen tests positive for any prohibited substances, the combatant
shall be subject to disciplinary action under section 341.29.
new text end

new text begin (c) A combatant who is disciplined and was the winner of a bout shall be disqualified
and the decision shall be changed to no contest. The results of a bout shall remain unchanged
if a combatant who is disciplined was the loser of the bout.
new text end

Sec. 23.

new text begin [341.345] CHALLENGING THE OUTCOME OF A COMBATIVE SPORT
CONTEST.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Challenge. new text end

new text begin (a) If a combatant disagrees with the outcome of a combative
sport contest regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry in which the combatant
participated, the combatant may challenge the outcome.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a third party makes a challenge on behalf of a combatant, the third party must
provide written confirmation that they are authorized to make the challenge on behalf of
the combatant. The written confirmation must contain the combatant's signature and must
be submitted with the challenge.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Form. new text end

new text begin A challenge must be submitted on a form prescribed by the commissioner,
set forth all relevant facts and the basis for the challenge, and state what remedy is being
sought. A combatant may submit photos, videos, documents, or any other evidence the
combatant would like the commissioner to consider in connection to the challenge. A
combatant may challenge the outcome of a contest only if it is alleged that:
new text end

new text begin (1) the referee made an incorrect call or missed a rule violation that directly affected the
outcome of the contest;
new text end

new text begin (2) there was collusion amongst officials to affect the outcome of the contest; or
new text end

new text begin (3) scores were miscalculated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Timing. new text end

new text begin A challenge must be submitted within ten days of the contest.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this subdivision, the day of the contest shall not count toward the
ten-day period. If the tenth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then a combatant
shall have until the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday to submit a
challenge.
new text end

new text begin (b) The challenge must be submitted to the commissioner at the address, fax number,
or email address designated on the commissioner's website. The date on which a challenge
is submitted by mail shall be the postmark date on the envelope in which the challenge is
mailed. If the challenge is faxed or emailed, it must be received by the commissioner by
4:30 p.m. Central Time on the day the challenge is due.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Opponent's response. new text end

new text begin If the requirements of subdivisions 1 to 3 are met, the
commissioner shall send a complete copy of the challenge documents, along with any
supporting materials submitted, to the opposing combatant by mail, fax, or email. The
opposing combatant has 14 days from the date the commissioner sends the challenge and
supporting materials to submit a response to the commissioner. Additional response time
is not added when the commissioner sends the challenge to the opposing combatant by mail.
The opposing combatant may submit photos, videos, documents, or any other evidence the
opposing combatant would like the commissioner to consider in connection to the challenge.
The response must be submitted to the commissioner at the address, fax number, or email
address designated on the commissioner's website. The date on which a response is submitted
by mail is the postmark date on the envelope in which the response is mailed. If the response
is faxed or emailed, it must be received by the commissioner by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on
the day the response is due.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Licensed official review. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may, if the commissioner
determines it would be helpful in resolving the issues raised in the challenge, send a complete
copy of the challenge or response, along with any supporting materials submitted, to any
licensed official involved in the combative sport contest at issue by mail, fax, or email and
request the official's views on the issues raised in the challenge.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Order. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 60 days
after receiving the opposing combatant's response. If the opposing combatant does not
submit a response, the commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 75 days
after receiving the challenge.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Nonacceptance. new text end

new text begin If the requirements of subdivisions 1 through 3 are not met,
the commissioner must not accept the challenge and may send correspondence to the person
who submitted the challenge stating the reasons for nonacceptance of the challenge. A
combatant has no further appeal rights if the combatant's challenge is not accepted by the
commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Administrative hearing. new text end

new text begin After the commissioner issues an order under
subdivision 6, each combatant under section 326B.082, subdivision 8, has 30 days after
service of the order to submit a request for hearing before an administrative law judge.
new text end

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.355, is amended to read:

341.355 CIVIL PENALTIES.

When the commissioner finds that a person has violated one or more provisions of any
statute, rule, or order that the commissioner is empowered to regulate, enforce, or issue, the
commissioner may impose, for each violation, a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each
violation, or a civil penalty that deprives the person of any economic advantage gained by
the violation, or both. new text begin The commissioner may also impose these penalties against a person
who has violated section 341.28, subdivision 5, paragraph (b) or (c).
new text end

ARTICLE 11

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 175.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Established.

The Department of Labor and Industry shall consist of the
following divisions: Division of Workers' Compensation, Division of Construction Codes
and Licensing, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Statistics, Division
of Labor Standards new text begin , new text end and new text begin Division of new text end Apprenticeship, and such other divisions as the
commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry may deem necessary and establish.
Each division of the department and persons in charge thereof shall be subject to the
supervision of the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry and, in addition
to such duties as are or may be imposed on them by statute, shall perform such other duties
as may be assigned to them by the commissioner. Notwithstanding any other law to the
contrary, the commissioner is the administrator and supervisor of all of the department's
dispute resolution functions and personnel and may delegate authority to compensation
judges and others to make determinations under sections 176.106, 176.238, and 176.239
and to approve settlement of claims under section 176.521.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.26, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Creation.

The Division of Labor Standards deleted text begin and Apprenticeship deleted text end in the
Department of Labor and Industry is supervised and controlled by the commissioner of
labor and industry.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.26, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Powers and duties.

The Division of Labor Standards deleted text begin and Apprenticeship deleted text end shall
administer this chapter and chapters deleted text begin 178, deleted text end 181, 181A, and 184.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 178.01, is amended to read:

178.01 PURPOSES.

The purposes of this chapter are: to open to all people regardless of race, sex, creed,
color or national origin, the opportunity to obtain training and on-the-job learning that will
equip them for profitable employment and citizenship; to establish as a means to this end,
a program of voluntary apprenticeship under approved apprenticeship agreements providing
facilities for their training and guidance in the arts, skills, and crafts of industry and trade
or occupation, with concurrent, supplementary instruction in related subjects; to promote
apprenticeship opportunities under conditions providing adequate training and on-the-job
learning and reasonable earnings; to relate the supply of skilled workers to employment
demands; to establish standards for apprentice training; to establish an Apprenticeship Board
and apprenticeship committees to assist in effectuating the purposes of this chapter; to
provide for a Division of deleted text begin Labor Standards and deleted text end Apprenticeship within the Department of
Labor and Industry; to provide for reports to the legislature regarding the status of apprentice
training in the state; to establish a procedure for the determination of apprenticeship
agreement controversies; and to accomplish related ends.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 178.011, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Division.

"Division" means the department's deleted text begin Labor Standards and deleted text end Apprenticeship
Division, established under sections 175.16 and 178.03, and the State Apprenticeship Agency
as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, part 29, section 29.2.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 178.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Establishment of division.

There is established a Division of deleted text begin Labor
Standards and deleted text end Apprenticeship in the Department of Labor and Industry. This division shall
be administered by a director, and be under the supervision of the commissioner.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 178.11, is amended to read:

178.11 LABOR EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM.

The commissioner shall establish the labor education advancement grant program for
the purpose of facilitating the participation new text begin or retention new text end of deleted text begin minorities deleted text end new text begin people of color,
Indigenous people, new text end and women in deleted text begin apprenticeable trades and occupations deleted text end new text begin registered
apprenticeship programs new text end . The commissioner shall award grants to community-based new text begin and
nonprofit new text end organizations new text begin and Minnesota Tribal governments as defined in section 10.65,
new text end serving the targeted populations on a competitive request-for-proposal basis. Interested
organizations shall apply for the grants in a form prescribed by the commissioner. As part
of the application process, applicants must provide a statement of need for the grant, a
description of the targeted population and apprenticeship opportunities, a description of
activities to be funded by the grant, evidence supporting the ability to deliver services,
information related to coordinating grant activities with other employment and learning
programs, identification of matching funds, a budget, and performance objectives. Each
submitted application shall be evaluated for completeness and effectiveness of the proposed
grant activity.

Sec. 8.

new text begin [181.536] POSTING OF VETERANS' BENEFITS AND SERVICES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Poster creation; content. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall consult with the
commissioner of veterans affairs to create and distribute a veterans' benefits and services
poster.
new text end

new text begin (b) The poster must, at a minimum, include information regarding the following benefits
and services available to veterans:
new text end

new text begin (1) contact and website information for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the
department's veterans' services program;
new text end

new text begin (2) substance use disorder and mental health treatment;
new text end

new text begin (3) educational, workforce, and training resources;
new text end

new text begin (4) tax benefits;
new text end

new text begin (5) Minnesota state veteran drivers' licenses and state identification cards;
new text end

new text begin (6) eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits under state and federal law;
new text end

new text begin (7) legal services; and
new text end

new text begin (8) contact information for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Crisis
Line.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner must annually review the poster's content and update the poster
to include the most current information available.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Mandatory posting. new text end

new text begin Every employer in the state with more than 50 full-time
equivalent employees shall display the poster created pursuant to this section in a conspicuous
place accessible to employees in the workplace.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.9435, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Investigation.

The Division of Labor Standards deleted text begin and Apprenticeship deleted text end shall
receive complaints of employees against employers relating to sections 181.172, paragraph
(a) or (d), and 181.939 to 181.9436 and investigate informally whether an employer may
be in violation of sections 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d), and 181.939 to 181.9436. The
division shall attempt to resolve employee complaints by informing employees and employers
of the provisions of the law and directing employers to comply with the law. For complaints
related to section 181.939, the division must contact the employer within two business days
and investigate the complaint within ten days of receipt of the complaint.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.9436, is amended to read:

181.9436 POSTING OF LAW.

The Division of Labor Standards deleted text begin and Apprenticeship deleted text end shall develop, with the assistance
of interested business and community organizations, an educational poster stating employees'
rights under sections 181.940 to 181.9436. The department shall make the poster available,
upon request, to employers for posting on the employer's premises.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Willful or repeated violations.

Any employer who willfully or repeatedly
violates the requirements of section 182.653, or any standard, rule, or order adopted under
the authority of the commissioner as provided in this chapter, may be assessed a fine not to
exceed deleted text begin $70,000 deleted text end new text begin $156,259 new text end for each violation. The minimum fine for a willful violation is
deleted text begin $5,000 deleted text end new text begin $11,162 new text end .

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Serious violations.

Any employer who has received a citation for a serious
violation of its duties under section 182.653, or any standard, rule, or order adopted under
the authority of the commissioner as provided in this chapter, shall be assessed a fine not
to exceed deleted text begin $7,000 deleted text end new text begin $15,625 new text end for each violation. If a serious violation under section 182.653,
subdivision 2, causes or contributes to the death of an employee, the employer shall be
assessed a fine of up to $25,000 new text begin for each violation new text end .

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Nonserious violations.

Any employer who has received a citation for a violation
of its duties under section 182.653, subdivisions 2 to 4, where the violation is specifically
determined not to be of a serious nature as provided in section 182.651, subdivision 12,
may be assessed a fine of up to deleted text begin $7,000 deleted text end new text begin $15,625 new text end for each violation.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Failure to correct a violation.

Any employer who fails to correct a violation
for which a citation has been issued under section 182.66 within the period permitted for
its correction, which period shall not begin to run until the date of the final order of the
commissioner in the case of any review proceedings under this chapter initiated by the
employer in good faith and not solely for delay or avoidance of penalties, may be assessed
a fine of not more than deleted text begin $7,000 deleted text end new text begin $15,625 new text end for each day during which the failure or violation
continues.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Posting violations.

Any employer who violates any of the posting requirements,
as prescribed under this chapter, except those prescribed under section 182.661, subdivision
3a, shall be assessed a fine of up to deleted text begin $7,000 deleted text end new text begin $15,625 new text end for each violation.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.666, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6a. new text end

new text begin Increases for inflation. new text end

new text begin (a) Each year, beginning in 2023, the commissioner
shall determine the percentage change in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI,
Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) from the month of October in the
preceding calendar year to the month of October in the current calendar year.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall increase the fines in subdivisions 1 to 5, except for the fine
for a serious violation under section 182.653, subdivision 2, that causes or contributes to
the death of an employee, by the percentage change determined by the commissioner under
paragraph (a), if the percentage change is greater than zero. The fines shall be increased to
the nearest one dollar.
new text end

new text begin (c) If the percentage change determined by the commissioner under paragraph (a) is not
greater than zero, the commissioner shall not change any of the fines in subdivisions 1 to
5.
new text end

new text begin (d) A fine increased under this subdivision takes effect on the next January 15 after the
commissioner determines the percentage change under paragraph (a) and applies to all fines
assessed on or after the next January 15.
new text end

new text begin (e) No later than December 1 of each year, the commissioner shall give notice in the
State Register of any increase to the fines in subdivisions 1 to 5.
new text end

Sec. 17.

new text begin [182.677] ERGONOMICS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the definitions in this
subdivision apply unless otherwise specified.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Health care facility" means a hospital with a North American Industrial Classification
system code of 622110, 622210, or 622310; an outpatient surgical center with a North
American Industrial Classification system code of 621493; and a nursing home with a North
American Industrial Classification system code of 623110.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Warehouse distribution center" means an employer with 100 or more employees in
Minnesota and a North American Industrial Classification system code of 493110, 423110
to 423990, 424110 to 424990, 454110, or 492110.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Meatpacking site" means a meatpacking or poultry processing site with 100 or more
employees in Minnesota and a North American Industrial Classification system code of
311611 to 311615, except 311613.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Musculoskeletal disorder" or "MSD" means a disorder of the muscles, nerves,
tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, blood vessels, or spinal discs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Ergonomics program required. new text end

new text begin (a) Every licensed health care facility,
warehouse distribution center, or meatpacking site in the state shall create and implement
an effective written ergonomics program establishing the employer's plan to minimize the
risk of its employees developing or aggravating musculoskeletal disorders by utilizing an
ergonomics process. The ergonomics program shall focus on eliminating the risk. To the
extent risk exists, the ergonomics program must include feasible administrative or engineering
controls to reduce the risk.
new text end

new text begin (b) The program shall include:
new text end

new text begin (1) an assessment of hazards with regard to prevention of musculoskeletal disorders;
new text end

new text begin (2) an initial and ongoing training of employees on ergonomics and its benefits, including
the importance of reporting early symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders;
new text end

new text begin (3) a procedure to ensure early reporting of musculoskeletal disorders to prevent or
reduce the progression of symptoms, the development of serious injuries, and lost-time
claims;
new text end

new text begin (4) a process for employees to provide possible solutions that may be implemented to
reduce, control, or eliminate workplace musculoskeletal disorders;
new text end

new text begin (5) procedures to ensure that physical plant modifications and major construction projects
are consistent with program goals; and
new text end

new text begin (6) annual evaluations of the ergonomics program and whenever a change to the work
process occurs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Annual evaluation of program required. new text end

new text begin There must be an established
procedure to annually assess the effectiveness of the ergonomics program, including
evaluation of corrective actions taken in response to reporting of symptoms by employees.
The annual assessment shall determine the success of the implemented ergonomic solutions
and whether goals set by the ergonomics program have been met.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Employee training. new text end

new text begin (a) An employer subject to this section must train all new
and existing employees on the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) the name of each individual on the employer's safety committee;
new text end

new text begin (2) the facility's hazard prevention and control plan;
new text end

new text begin (3) the early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries and the procedures for
reporting them;
new text end

new text begin (4) the procedures for reporting injuries and other hazards;
new text end

new text begin (5) any administrative or engineering controls related to ergonomic hazards that are in
place or will be implemented at the facility;
new text end

new text begin (6) how to use personal protective equipment, whether it is available, and where it is
located; and
new text end

new text begin (7) the requirements of subdivision 9.
new text end

new text begin (b) New and current employees must be trained according to paragraph (a) prior to
starting work. The employer must provide the training during working hours and compensate
the employee for attending the training at the employee's standard rate of pay. All training
must be in a language and with vocabulary that the employee can understand.
new text end

new text begin (c) Updates to the information conveyed in the training shall be communicated to
employees as soon as practicable.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Involvement of employees. new text end

new text begin Employers subject to this section must solicit
feedback for its ergonomics program through its safety committee required by section
182.676, in addition to any other opportunities for employee participation the employer
may provide. The safety committee must be directly involved in ergonomics worksite
assessments and participate in the annual evaluation required by subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Workplace program or AWAIR. new text end

new text begin An employer subject to this section must
reference its ergonomics program in a written Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction
(AWAIR) program required by section 182.653, subdivision 8.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Recordkeeping. new text end

new text begin An employer subject to this section must maintain:
new text end

new text begin (1) a written certification dated and signed by each person who provides training and
each employee who receives training pursuant to this section. The certification completed
by the training providers must state that the employer has provided training consistent with
the requirements of this section;
new text end

new text begin (2) a record of all worker visits to on-site medical or first aid personnel for the last five
years, regardless of severity or type of illness or injury; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a record of all ergonomic injuries suffered by employees for the last five years.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Availability of records. new text end

new text begin (a) The employer must ensure that the certification
records required by subdivision 7, clause (1), are up to date and available to the
commissioner, employees, and authorized employee representatives, if any, upon request.
new text end

new text begin (b) Upon the request of the commissioner, an employee, or an authorized employee
representative, the employer must provide the requestor a redacted version of the medical
or first aid records and records of all ergonomic injuries. The name, contact information,
and occupation of an employee, and any other information that would reveal the identity
of an employee, must be removed in the redacted version. The redacted version must only
include, to the extent it would not reveal identity of an employee, the location where the
employee worked, the date of the injury or visit, a description of the medical treatment or
first aid provided, and a description of the injury suffered.
new text end

new text begin (c) The employer must also make available to the commissioner the unredacted medical
or first aid records and unredacted records of ergonomic injuries required by subdivision
7, clause (2), upon request.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Reporting encouraged. new text end

new text begin Any employer subject to this section must not institute
or maintain any program, policy, or practice that discourages employees from reporting
injuries, hazards, or safety and health standard violations, including ergonomic-related
hazards and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Training materials. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall make training materials on
implementation of this section available to all employers, upon request, at no cost as part
of the duties of the commissioner under section 182.673.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Enforcement. new text end

new text begin This section shall be enforced by the commissioner under
sections 182.66 and 182.661. A violation of this section is subject to the penalties provided
under section 182.666.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Grant program. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall establish an ergonomics grant
program to provide matching funding for employers who are subject to this section to make
ergonomic improvements recommended by an on-site safety survey. Minnesota Rules,
chapter 5203, applies to the administration of the grant program.
new text end

new text begin (b) To be eligible for a grant under this section, an employer must:
new text end

new text begin (1) be a licensed health care facility, warehouse distribution center, or meatpacking site
as defined by subdivision 1;
new text end

new text begin (2) have current workers' compensation insurance provided through the assigned risk
plan, provided by an insurer subject to penalties under chapter 176, or as an approved
self-insured employer; and
new text end

new text begin (3) have an on-site safety survey with results that recommend specific equipment or
practices that will reduce the risk of injury or illness to employees and prevent
musculoskeletal disorders. This survey must have been conducted by a Minnesota
occupational safety and health compliance investigator or workplace safety consultant, an
in-house safety and health committee, a workers' compensation insurance underwriter, a
private consultant, or a person under contract with the assigned risk plan.
new text end

new text begin (c) Grant funds may be used for all or part of the cost of the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) purchasing and installing recommended equipment intended to prevent
musculoskeletal disorders;
new text end

new text begin (2) operating or maintaining recommended equipment intended to prevent musculoskeletal
disorders;
new text end

new text begin (3) property, if the property is necessary to meet the recommendations of the on-site
safety survey that are related to prevention of musculoskeletal disorders;
new text end

new text begin (4) training required to operate recommended safety equipment to prevent musculoskeletal
disorders; and
new text end

new text begin (5) tuition reimbursement for educational costs related to identifying ergonomic-related
issues that are related to the recommendations of the on-site safety survey.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall evaluate applications, submitted on forms developed by the
commissioner, based on whether the proposed project:
new text end

new text begin (1) is technically and economically feasible;
new text end

new text begin (2) is consistent with the recommendations of the on-site safety survey and the objective
of reducing risk of injury or illness to employees and preventing musculoskeletal disorders;
new text end

new text begin (3) was submitted by an applicant with sufficient experience, knowledge, and commitment
for the project to be implemented in a timely manner;
new text end

new text begin (4) has the necessary financial commitments to cover all project costs;
new text end

new text begin (5) has the support of all public entities necessary for its completion; and
new text end

new text begin (6) complies with federal, state, and local regulations.
new text end

new text begin (e) Grants under this section shall provide a match of up to $10,000 for private funds
committed by the employer to implement the recommended ergonomics-related equipment
or practices.
new text end

new text begin (f) Grants will be awarded to all applicants that meet the eligibility and evaluation criteria
under paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) until funding is depleted. If there are more eligible requests
than funding, awards will be prorated.
new text end

new text begin (g) Grant recipients are not eligible to apply for another grant under chapter 176 until
two years after the date of the award.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Standard development. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may propose an ergonomics
standard using the authority provided in section 182.655.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective November 1, 2023, except subdivisions
9 and 12 are effective July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.092, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Fees nonrefundable.

Application and examination fees, license fees, license
renewal fees, and late fees are nonrefundable except for:

(1) license renewal fees received more than two years after expiration of the license, as
described in section 326B.094, subdivision 2;

(2) any overpayment of fees; and

(3) if the license is not new text begin issued or new text end renewed, the contractor recovery fund fee and any
additional assessment paid under subdivision 7, paragraph (e).

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.096, is amended to read:

326B.096 REINSTATEMENT OF LICENSES.

Subdivision 1.

Reinstatement after revocation.

(a) If a license is revoked under this
chapter and if an applicant for a license needs to pass an examination administered by the
commissioner before becoming licensed, then, in order to have the license reinstated, the
person who holds the revoked license must:

(1) retake the examination and achieve a passing score; and

(2) meet all other requirements for an initial license, including payment of the application
and examination fee and the license fee. The person holding the revoked license is not
eligible for Minnesota licensure without examination based on reciprocity.

(b) If a license is revoked under a chapter other than this chapter, then, in order to have
the license reinstated, the person who holds the revoked license must:

(1) apply for reinstatement to the commissioner no later than two years after the effective
date of the revocation;

(2) pay a deleted text begin $100 deleted text end new text begin $50 new text end reinstatement application fee and any applicable renewal license fee;
and

(3) meet all applicable requirements for licensure, except that, unless required by the
order revoking the license, the applicant does not need to retake any examination and does
not need to repay a license fee that was paid before the revocation.

Subd. 2.

Reinstatement after suspension.

If a license is suspended, then, in order to
have the license reinstated, the person who holds the suspended license must:

(1) apply for reinstatement to the commissioner no later than two years after the
completion of the suspension period;

(2) pay a deleted text begin $100 deleted text end new text begin $50 new text end reinstatement application fee and any applicable renewal license fee;
and

(3) meet all applicable requirements for licensure, except that, unless required by the
order suspending the license, the applicant does not need to retake any examination and
does not need to repay a license fee that was paid before the suspension.

Subd. 3.

Reinstatement after voluntary termination.

A licensee who is not an individual
may voluntarily terminate a license issued to the person under this chapter. If a licensee has
voluntarily terminated a license under this subdivision, then, in order to have the license
reinstated, the person who holds the terminated license must:

(1) apply for reinstatement to the commissioner no later than the date that the license
would have expired if it had not been terminated;

(2) pay a deleted text begin $100 deleted text end new text begin $25 new text end reinstatement application fee and any applicable renewal license fee;
and

(3) meet all applicable requirements for licensure, except that the applicant does not
need to repay a license fee that was paid before the termination.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6a. new text end

new text begin Electric vehicle capable space. new text end

new text begin "Electric vehicle capable space" means a
designated automobile parking space that has electrical infrastructure, including but not
limited to raceways, cables, electrical capacity, and panelboard or other electrical distribution
space necessary for the future installation of an electric vehicle charging station.
new text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6b. new text end

new text begin Electric vehicle charging station. new text end

new text begin "Electric vehicle charging station" means
a designated automobile parking space that has a dedicated connection for charging an
electric vehicle.
new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6c. new text end

new text begin Electric vehicle ready space. new text end

new text begin "Electric vehicle ready space" means a designated
automobile parking space that has a branch circuit capable of supporting the installation of
an electric vehicle charging station.
new text end

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 10a. new text end

new text begin Parking facilities. new text end

new text begin "Parking facilities" includes parking lots, garages, ramps,
or decks.
new text end

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.103, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

State licensed facility.

"State licensed facility" means a building and its
grounds that are licensed by the state as a hospital, nursing home, supervised living facility,
new text begin assisted living facility, including assisted living facility with dementia care, new text end free-standing
outpatient surgical center, correctional facility, boarding care home, or residential hospice.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.106, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Adoption of code.

(a) Subject to paragraphs (c) and (d) and sections
326B.101 to 326B.194, the commissioner shall by rule and in consultation with the
Construction Codes Advisory Council establish a code of standards for the construction,
reconstruction, alteration, and repair of buildings, governing matters of structural materials,
design and construction, fire protection, health, sanitation, and safety, including design and
construction standards regarding heat loss control, illumination, and climate control. The
code must also include duties and responsibilities for code administration, including
procedures for administrative action, penalties, and suspension and revocation of certification.
The code must conform insofar as practicable to model building codes generally accepted
and in use throughout the United States, including a code for building conservation. In the
preparation of the code, consideration must be given to the existing statewide specialty
codes presently in use in the state. Model codes with necessary modifications and statewide
specialty codes may be adopted by reference. The code must be based on the application
of scientific principles, approved tests, and professional judgment. To the extent possible,
the code must be adopted in terms of desired results instead of the means of achieving those
results, avoiding wherever possible the incorporation of specifications of particular methods
or materials. To that end the code must encourage the use of new methods and new materials.
Except as otherwise provided in sections 326B.101 to 326B.194, the commissioner shall
administer and enforce the provisions of those sections.

(b) The commissioner shall develop rules addressing the plan review fee assessed to
similar buildings without significant modifications including provisions for use of building
systems as specified in the industrial/modular program specified in section 326B.194.
Additional plan review fees associated with similar plans must be based on costs
commensurate with the direct and indirect costs of the service.

(c) Beginning with the 2018 edition of the model building codes and every six years
thereafter, the commissioner shall review the new model building codes and adopt the model
codes as amended for use in Minnesota, within two years of the published edition date. The
commissioner may adopt amendments to the building codes prior to the adoption of the
new building codes to advance construction methods, technology, or materials, or, where
necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, or to improve the efficiency
or the use of a building.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), the commissioner shall act on each new model
residential energy code and the new model commercial energy code in accordance with
federal law for which the United States Department of Energy has issued an affirmative
determination in compliance with United States Code, title 42, section 6833. new text begin The
commissioner shall consider amendments to the model energy codes that mitigate the impact
of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing and optimizing energy
efficiency and improving resiliency of new buildings and existing buildings undergoing
additions, alterations, and changes of use. new text end The commissioner may adopt amendments prior
to adoption of the new energy codes, as amended for use in Minnesota, to advance
construction methods, technology, or materials, or, where necessary to protect the health,
safety, and welfare of the public, or to improve the efficiency or use of a building.

new text begin (e) Beginning in 2024, the commissioner shall act on the new model commercial energy
code by adopting each new published edition of ASHRAE 90.1 or a more efficient standard.
The commercial energy code in effect in 2036 and thereafter must achieve an 80 percent
reduction in annual net energy consumption or greater, using the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 as a
baseline. The commissioner shall adopt commercial energy codes from 2024 to 2036 that
incrementally move toward achieving the 80 percent reduction in annual net energy
consumption. By January 15 of the year following each new code adoption, the commissioner
shall make a report on progress under this section to the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over the energy code.
new text end

new text begin (f) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to limit the ability of a public utility to
offer code support programs, or to claim energy savings resulting from such programs,
through its energy conservation and optimization plans approved by the commissioner of
commerce under section 216B.241.
new text end

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.106, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Special requirements.

(a) Space for commuter vans. The code must require
that any parking ramp or other parking facility constructed in accordance with the code
include an appropriate number of spaces suitable for the parking of motor vehicles having
a capacity of seven to 16 persons and which are principally used to provide prearranged
commuter transportation of employees to or from their place of employment or to or from
a transit stop authorized by a local transit authority.

(b) Smoke detection devices. The code must require that all dwellings, lodging houses,
apartment houses, and hotels as defined in section 299F.362 comply with the provisions of
section 299F.362.

(c) Doors in nursing homes and hospitals. The State Building Code may not require
that each door entering a sleeping or patient's room from a corridor in a nursing home or
hospital with an approved complete standard automatic fire extinguishing system be
constructed or maintained as self-closing or automatically closing.

(d) Child care facilities in churches; ground level exit. A licensed day care center
serving fewer than 30 preschool age persons and which is located in a belowground space
in a church building is exempt from the State Building Code requirement for a ground level
exit when the center has more than two stairways to the ground level and its exit.

(e) Family and group family day care. Until the legislature enacts legislation specifying
appropriate standards, the definition of dwellings constructed in accordance with the
International Residential Code as adopted as part of the State Building Code applies to
family and group family day care homes licensed by the Department of Human Services
under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9502.

(f) Enclosed stairways. No provision of the code or any appendix chapter of the code
may require stairways of existing multiple dwelling buildings of two stories or less to be
enclosed.

(g) Double cylinder dead bolt locks. No provision of the code or appendix chapter of
the code may prohibit double cylinder dead bolt locks in existing single-family homes,
townhouses, and first floor duplexes used exclusively as a residential dwelling. Any
recommendation or promotion of double cylinder dead bolt locks must include a warning
about their potential fire danger and procedures to minimize the danger.

(h) Relocated residential buildings. A residential building relocated within or into a
political subdivision of the state need not comply with the State Energy Code or section
326B.439 provided that, where available, an energy audit is conducted on the relocated
building.

(i) Automatic garage door opening systems. The code must require all residential
buildings as defined in section 325F.82 to comply with the provisions of sections 325F.82
and 325F.83.

(j) Exterior wood decks, patios, and balconies. The code must permit the decking
surface and upper portions of exterior wood decks, patios, and balconies to be constructed
of (1) heartwood from species of wood having natural resistance to decay or termites,
including redwood and cedars, (2) grades of lumber which contain sapwood from species
of wood having natural resistance to decay or termites, including redwood and cedars, or
(3) treated wood. The species and grades of wood products used to construct the decking
surface and upper portions of exterior decks, patios, and balconies must be made available
to the building official on request before final construction approval.

(k) Bioprocess piping and equipment. No permit fee for bioprocess piping may be
imposed by municipalities under the State Building Code, except as required under section
326B.92 subdivision 1. Permits for bioprocess piping shall be according to section 326B.92
administered by the Department of Labor and Industry. All data regarding the material
production processes, including the bioprocess system's structural design and layout, are
nonpublic data as provided by section 13.7911.

(l) Use of ungraded lumber. The code must allow the use of ungraded lumber in
geographic areas of the state where the code did not generally apply as of April 1, 2008, to
the same extent that ungraded lumber could be used in that area before April 1, 2008.

(m) Window cleaning safety. deleted text begin The code must require the installation of dedicated
anchorages for the purpose of suspended window cleaning on (1) new buildings four stories
or greater; and (2) buildings four stories or greater, only on those areas undergoing
reconstruction, alteration, or repair that includes the exposure of primary structural
components of the roof. deleted text end new text begin The commissioner shall adopt rules, using the expedited rulemaking
process in section 14.389, requiring window cleaning safety features that comply with a
nationally recognized standard as part of the State Building Code. Window cleaning safety
features shall be provided for all windows on:
new text end

new text begin (1) new buildings where determined by the code; and
new text end

new text begin (2) existing buildings undergoing alterations where both of the following conditions are
met:
new text end

new text begin (i) the windows do not currently have safe window cleaning features; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) the proposed work area being altered can include provisions for safe window cleaning.
new text end

deleted text begin The commissioner may waive all or a portion of the requirements of this paragraph
related to reconstruction, alteration, or repair, if the installation of dedicated anchorages
would not result in significant safety improvements due to limits on the size of the project,
or other factors as determined by the commissioner.
deleted text end

new text begin (n) Adult-size changing facilities. The commissioner shall adopt rules requiring
adult-size changing facilities as part of the State Building Code.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.106, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end

new text begin Electric vehicle charging. new text end

new text begin The code shall require a minimum number of
electric vehicle ready spaces, electric vehicle capable spaces, and electric vehicle charging
stations either within or adjacent to new commercial and multifamily structures that provide
on-site parking facilities. Residential structures with fewer than four dwelling units are
exempt from this subdivision.
new text end

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 326B.802, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Special skill.

"Special skill" means one of the following eight categories:

(a) Excavation. Excavation includes work in any of the following areas:

(1) excavation;

(2) trenching;

(3) grading; and

(4) site grading.

(b) Masonry and concrete. Masonry and concrete includes work in any of the following
areas:

(1) drain systems;

(2) poured walls;

(3) slabs and poured-in-place footings;

(4) masonry walls;

(5) masonry fireplaces;

(6) masonry veneer; and

(7) water resistance and waterproofing.

(c) Carpentry. Carpentry includes work in any of the following areas:

(1) rough framing;

(2) finish carpentry;

(3) doors, windows, and skylights;

(4) porches and decks, excluding footings;

(5) wood foundations; and

(6) drywall installation, excluding taping and finishing.

(d) Interior finishing. Interior finishing includes work in any of the following areas:

(1) floor covering;

(2) wood floors;

(3) cabinet and counter top installation;

(4) insulation and vapor barriers;

(5) interior or exterior painting;

(6) ceramic, marble, and quarry tile;

(7) ornamental guardrail and installation of prefabricated stairs; and

(8) wallpapering.

(e) Exterior finishing. Exterior finishing includes work in any of the following areas:

(1) siding;

(2) soffit, fascia, and trim;

(3) exterior plaster and stucco;

(4) painting; and

(5) rain carrying systems, including gutters and down spouts.

(f) Drywall and plaster. Drywall and plaster includes work in any of the following
areas:

(1) installation;

(2) taping;

(3) finishing;

(4) interior plaster;

(5) painting; and

(6) wallpapering.

(g) Residential roofing. Residential roofing includes work in any of the following areas:

(1) roof coverings;

(2) roof sheathing;

(3) roof weatherproofing and insulation; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(4) repair of roof support system, but not construction of new roof support system deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (5) penetration of roof coverings for purposes of attaching a solar photovoltaic system.
new text end

(h) General installation specialties. Installation includes work in any of the following
areas:

(1) garage doors and openers;

(2) pools, spas, and hot tubs;

(3) fireplaces and wood stoves;

(4) asphalt paving and seal coating; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(5) ornamental guardrail and prefabricated stairs deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (6) assembly of the support system for a solar photovoltaic system.
new text end

Sec. 29. new text begin RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of labor and industry shall adopt rules, using the expedited rulemaking
process in Minnesota Statutes, section 14.389, that set forth adult-size changing facilities
to conform with the addition of Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.106, subdivision 4,
paragraph (n), under this act.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 30. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.26, subdivision 3, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

ARTICLE 12

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 13.43, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Access by labor organizations new text begin , Bureau of Mediation Services, Public
Employment Relations Board new text end .

Personnel data may be disseminated to labor organizations
new text begin and the Public Employment Relations Board new text end to the extent that the responsible authority
determines that the dissemination is necessary to conduct elections, notify employees of
fair share fee assessments, and implement the provisions of chapters 179 and 179A. Personnel
data shall be disseminated to labor organizations new text begin , the Public Employment Relations Board, new text end
and deleted text begin to deleted text end the Bureau of Mediation Services to the extent the dissemination is ordered or
authorized by the commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services new text begin or the Public
Employment Relations Board or its employees or agents new text end .

Sec. 2.

new text begin [13.7909] PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD DATA.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "board" means the Public
Employment Relations Board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Charge and complaint data. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c),
all data maintained by the board about a charge of unfair labor practices and appeals of
determinations of the commissioner under section 179A.12, subdivision 11, are classified
as protected nonpublic data or confidential data prior to being admitted into evidence at a
hearing conducted pursuant to section 179A.13. Data that are admitted into evidence at a
hearing conducted pursuant to section 179A.13 are public unless subject to a protective
order as determined by the board or a hearing officer.
new text end

new text begin (b) Statements by individuals that are provided to the board are private data on
individuals, as defined by section 13.02, subdivision 12, prior to being admitted into evidence
at a hearing conducted pursuant to section 179A.13, and become public once admitted into
evidence.
new text end

new text begin (c) The following data are public at all times:
new text end

new text begin (1) the filing date of unfair labor practice charges;
new text end

new text begin (2) the status of unfair labor practice charges as an original or amended charge;
new text end

new text begin (3) the names and job classifications of charging parties and charged parties;
new text end

new text begin (4) the provisions of law alleged to have been violated in unfair labor practice charges;
new text end

new text begin (5) the complaint issued by the board; and
new text end

new text begin (6) unless subject to a protective order:
new text end

new text begin (i) the full and complete record of an evidentiary hearing before a hearing officer,
including the hearing transcript, exhibits admitted into evidence, and posthearing briefs;
new text end

new text begin (ii) recommended decisions and orders of hearing officers pursuant to section 179A.13,
subdivision 1, paragraph (i);
new text end

new text begin (iii) exceptions to the hearing officer's recommended decision and order filed with the
board pursuant to section 179A.13, subdivision 1, paragraph (k);
new text end

new text begin (iv) party and nonparty briefs filed with the board; and
new text end

new text begin (v) decisions and orders issued by the board.
new text end

new text begin (d) The board may make any data classified as private, protected nonpublic, or
confidential pursuant to this subdivision accessible to any person or party if the access will
aid the implementation of chapters 179 and 179A or ensure due process protection of the
parties.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 179A.041, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Open Meeting Law; exceptions. new text end

new text begin Chapter 13D does not apply to meetings of
the board when it is deliberating on the merits of unfair labor practice charges under sections
179.11, 179.12, and 179A.13; reviewing a recommended decision and order of a hearing
officer under section 179A.13; or reviewing decisions of the commissioner of the Bureau
of Mediation Services relating to unfair labor practices under section 179A.12, subdivision
11.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 13

MEAT AND POULTRY PROCESSING

Section 1.

new text begin [179.87] TITLE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 179.87 to 179.8757 may be titled the "Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry
Processing Workers Act."
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [179.871] DEFINITIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For purposes of sections 179.87 to 179.8757, the terms in
this section have the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Authorized employee representative. new text end

new text begin "Authorized employee representative"
has the meaning given in section 182.651, subdivision 22.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry
or the commissioner's designee.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Coordinator. new text end

new text begin "Coordinator" means the meatpacking industry worker rights
coordinator or the coordinator's designee.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Meat-processing worker. new text end

new text begin "Meat-processing worker" or "worker" means any
individual who a meat-processing employer suffers or permits to work directly in contact
with raw meatpacking products in a meatpacking operation, including independent contractors
and persons performing work for an employer through a temporary service or staffing
agency. Workers in a meatpacking operation who inspect or package meatpacking products
and workers who clean, maintain, or sanitize equipment or surfaces are included in the
definition of a meat-processing worker.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Meatpacking operation. new text end

new text begin "Meatpacking operation" or "meat-processing
employer" means a meatpacking or poultry processing site with 100 or more employees in
Minnesota and a North American Industrial Classification system code of 311611 to 311615,
except 311613. Meatpacking operation or meat-processing employer does not mean a grocery
store, deli, restaurant, or other business preparing meatpacking products for immediate
consumption.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Meatpacking products. new text end

new text begin "Meatpacking products" means meat food products
and poultry food products as defined in section 31A.02, subdivision 10.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [179.8715] WORKER RIGHTS COORDINATOR.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must appoint a meatpacking industry worker rights coordinator
in the Department of Labor and Industry and provide the coordinator with necessary office
space, furniture, equipment, supplies, and assistance.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must enforce sections 179.87 to 179.8757, including inspecting,
reviewing, and recommending improvements to the practices and procedures of meatpacking
operations in Minnesota. A meat-processing employer must grant the commissioner full
access to all meatpacking operations in this state at any time that meatpacking products are
being processed or meat-processing workers are on the job.
new text end

new text begin (c) No later than December 1 each year, beginning December 1, 2024, the coordinator
must submit a report to the governor and the chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees with jurisdiction over labor. The report must include recommendations
to promote better treatment of meat-processing workers. The coordinator shall also post the
report on the Department of Labor and Industry's website.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [179.872] REFUSAL TO WORK UNDER DANGEROUS CONDITIONS.
new text end

new text begin A meat-processing worker has the right to refuse to work under dangerous conditions
in accordance with section 182.654, subdivision 11. Pursuant to section 182.654, subdivision
11, the worker shall continue to receive pay and shall not be subject to discrimination.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [179.875] ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Administrative enforcement. new text end

new text begin The commissioner, either on the
commissioner's initiative or in response to a complaint, may inspect a meatpacking operation
and subpoena records and witnesses as provided in sections 175.20, 177.27, and 182.659.
If a meat-processing employer does not comply with the commissioner's inspection, the
commissioner may seek relief as provided in this section or chapter 175 or 182.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Compliance authority. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may issue a compliance order under
section 177.27, subdivision 4, requiring an employer to comply with sections 179.8755,
paragraphs (b) and (c); 179.8756, subdivisions 1 to 3 and 4, paragraphs (f) and (g); and
179.8757. The commissioner also has authority, pursuant to section 182.662, subdivision
1, to issue a stop-work or business-closure order when there is a condition or practice that
could result in death or serious physical harm.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Private civil action. new text end

new text begin If a meat-processing employer does not comply with a
provision in sections 179.87 to 179.8757, an aggrieved worker, authorized employee
representative, or other person may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction
within three years of an alleged violation and, upon prevailing, must be awarded the relief
provided in this section. Pursuing administrative relief is not a prerequisite for bringing a
civil action.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Other government enforcement. new text end

new text begin The attorney general may enforce sections
179.87 to 179.8757 under section 8.31. A city or county attorney may also enforce these
sections. Such law enforcement agencies may inspect meatpacking operations and subpoena
records and witnesses and, where such agencies determine that a violation has occurred,
may bring a civil action as provided in this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Relief. new text end

new text begin (a) In a civil action or administrative proceeding brought to enforce
sections 179.87 to 179.8757, the court or commissioner must order relief as provided in this
subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) For any violation of sections 179.87 to 179.8757:
new text end

new text begin (1) an injunction to order compliance and restrain continued violations;
new text end

new text begin (2) payment to a prevailing worker by a meat-processing employer of reasonable costs,
disbursements, and attorney fees; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a civil penalty payable to the state of not less than $100 per day per worker affected
by the meat-processing employer's noncompliance with sections 179.87 to 179.8757.
new text end

new text begin (c) Any worker who brings a complaint under sections 179.87 to 179.8757 and suffers
retaliation is entitled to treble damages in addition to lost pay and recovery of attorney fees
and costs.
new text end

new text begin (d) Any company who is found to have retaliated against a meat-processing worker must
pay a fine of up to $10,000 to the commissioner, in addition to other penalties available
under the law.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Whistleblower enforcement; penalty distribution. new text end

new text begin (a) The relief provided in
this section may be recovered through a private civil action brought on behalf of the
commissioner in a court of competent jurisdiction by another individual, including an
authorized employee representative, pursuant to this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) The individual must give written notice to the coordinator of the specific provision
or provisions of sections 179.87 to 179.8757 alleged to have been violated. The individual
or representative organization may commence a civil action under this subdivision if no
enforcement action is taken by the commissioner within 30 days.
new text end

new text begin (c) Civil penalties recovered pursuant to this subdivision must be distributed as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) 70 percent to the commissioner for enforcement of sections 179.87 to 179.8757; and
new text end

new text begin (2) 30 percent to the individual or authorized employee representative.
new text end

new text begin (d) The right to bring an action under this subdivision shall not be impaired by private
contract. A public enforcement action must be tried promptly, without regard to concurrent
adjudication of a private claim for the same alleged violation.
new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [179.8755] RETALIATION AGAINST EMPLOYEES AND
WHISTLEBLOWERS PROHIBITED.
new text end

new text begin (a) Pursuant to section 182.669, no meat-processing employer or other person may
discharge or discriminate against a worker because the worker has raised a concern about
a meatpacking operation's health and safety practices to the employer or otherwise exercised
any right authorized under sections 182.65 to 182.674.
new text end

new text begin (b) No meat-processing employer or other person may attempt to require any worker to
sign a contract or other agreement that would limit or prevent the worker from disclosing
information about workplace health and safety practices or hazards, or to otherwise abide
by a workplace policy that would limit or prevent such disclosures. Any such agreements
or policies are hereby void and unenforceable as contrary to the public policy of this state.
An employer's attempt to impose such a contract, agreement, or policy shall constitute an
adverse action enforceable under section 179.875.
new text end

new text begin (c) Reporting or threatening to report a meat-processing worker's suspected citizenship
or immigration status, or the suspected citizenship or immigration status of a family member
of the worker, to a federal, state, or local agency because the worker exercises a right under
sections 179.87 to 179.8757 constitutes an adverse action for purposes of establishing a
violation of that worker's rights. For purposes of this paragraph, "family member" means a
spouse, parent, sibling, child, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, cousin, grandparent, or grandchild
related by blood, adoption, marriage, or domestic partnership.
new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [179.8756] MEATPACKING WORKER CHRONIC INJURIES AND
WORKPLACE SAFETY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Facility committee. new text end

new text begin (a) The meat-processing employer's ergonomics
program under section 182.677, subdivision 2, must be developed and implemented by a
committee of individuals who are knowledgeable of the tasks and work processes performed
by workers at the employer's facility. The committee must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) a certified professional ergonomist;
new text end

new text begin (2) a licensed, board-certified physician, with preference given to a physician who has
specialized experience and training in occupational medicine; and
new text end

new text begin (3) at least three workers employed in the employer's facility who have completed a
general industry outreach course approved by the commissioner, one of whom must be an
authorized employee representative if the employer is party to a collective bargaining
agreement.
new text end

new text begin (b) If it is not practicable for a certified professional ergonomist or a licensed,
board-certified physician to be a member of the committee required by paragraph (a), the
meatpacking employer must have their safe-worker program reviewed by a certified
professional ergonomist and a licensed, board-certified physician prior to implementation
of the program and annually thereafter.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin New task and annual safety training. new text end

new text begin (a) Meat-processing employers must
provide every worker who is assigned a new task if the worker has no previous work
experience with training on how to safely perform the task, the ergonomic and other hazards
associated with the task, and training on the early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal
injuries and the procedures for reporting them. The employer must give a worker an
opportunity within 30 days of receiving the new task training to receive refresher training
on the topics covered in the new task training. The employer must provide this training in
a language and with vocabulary that the employee can understand.
new text end

new text begin (b) Meat-processing employers must provide each worker with no less than eight hours
of safety training each year. This annual training must address health and safety topics that
are relevant to the establishment and the worker's job assignment, such as cuts, lacerations,
amputations, machine guarding, biological hazards, lockout/tagout, hazard communication,
ergonomic hazards, and personal protective equipment. At least two of the eight hours of
annual training must be on topics related to the facility's ergonomic injury prevention
program, including the assessment of surveillance data, the ergonomic hazard prevention
and control plan, and the early signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and the
procedures for reporting them. The employer must provide this training in a language and
with vocabulary that the employee can understand.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Medical services and qualifications. new text end

new text begin (a) Meat-processing employers must
ensure that:
new text end

new text begin (1) all first-aid providers, medical assistants, nurses, and physicians engaged by the
employer are licensed and perform their duties within the scope of their licensed practice;
new text end

new text begin (2) medical management of musculoskeletal disorders is under direct supervision of a
licensed physician specializing in occupational medicine who will advise on best practices
for management and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders; and
new text end

new text begin (3) medical management of musculoskeletal injuries follows the most current version
of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine practice guidelines.
new text end

new text begin (b) The coordinator may compile, analyze, and publish annually, either in summary or
detailed form, all reports or information obtained under sections 179.87 to 179.8757,
including information about ergonomics programs, and may cooperate with the United
States Department of Labor in obtaining national summaries of occupational deaths, injuries,
and illnesses. The coordinator and authorized employee representative must preserve the
anonymity of each employee with respect to whom medical reports or information is obtained.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Pandemic protections. new text end

new text begin (a) This subdivision applies during a peacetime public
health emergency declared under section 12.31, subdivision 2, that involves airborne
transmission.
new text end

new text begin (b) Meat-processing employers must maintain at least a six-foot radius of space around
and between each worker unless a nonporous barrier separates the workers. An employer
may accomplish such distancing by increasing physical space between workstations, slowing
production speeds, staggering shifts and breaks, adjusting shift size, or a combination thereof.
The employer must reconfigure common or congregate spaces to allow for such distancing,
including lunch rooms, break rooms, and locker rooms. The employer must reinforce social
distancing by allowing workers to maintain six feet of distance along with the use of
nonporous barriers.
new text end

new text begin (c) Meat-processing employers must provide employees with face masks and must make
face shields available on request. Face masks, including replacement face masks, and face
shields must be provided at no cost to the employee. All persons present at the meatpacking
operation must wear face masks in the facility except in those parts of the facility where
infection risk is low because workers work in isolation.
new text end

new text begin (d) Meat-processing employers must provide all meat-processing workers with the ability
to frequently and routinely sanitize their hands with either hand-washing or hand-sanitizing
stations. The employer must ensure that restrooms have running hot and cold water and
paper towels and are in sanitary condition. The employer must provide gloves to those who
request them.
new text end

new text begin (e) Meat-processing employers must clean and regularly disinfect all frequently touched
surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, training rooms, machinery controls, tools,
protective garments, eating surfaces, bathrooms, showers, and other similar areas. Employers
must install and maintain ventilation systems that ensure unidirectional air flow, outdoor
air, and filtration in both production areas and common areas such as cafeterias and locker
rooms.
new text end

new text begin (f) Meat-processing employers must disseminate all required communications, notices,
and any published materials regarding these protections in English, Spanish, and other
languages as required for employees to understand the communication.
new text end

new text begin (g) Consistent with sections 177.253 and 177.254, meat-processing employers must
provide adequate break time for workers to use the bathroom, wash their hands, and don
and doff protective equipment. Nothing in this subdivision relieves an employer of its
obligation to comply with federal and state wage and hour laws.
new text end

new text begin (h) Meat-processing employers must provide sufficient personal protective equipment
for each employee for each shift, plus replacements, at no cost to the employee.
Meat-processing employers must provide training in proper use of personal protective
equipment, safety procedures, and sanitation.
new text end

new text begin (i) Meat-processing employers must record all injuries and illnesses in the facility and
make these records available upon request to the health and safety committee. The name,
contact information, and occupation of an employee, and any other information that would
reveal the identity of an employee, must be removed. The redacted records must only include,
to the extent it would not reveal the identity of an employee, the location where the employee
worked, the date of the injury or visit, a description of the medical treatment or first aid
provided, and a description of the injury suffered. The employer also must make its records
available to the commissioner, and where there is a collective bargaining agreement, to the
authorized bargaining representative.
new text end

new text begin (j) Except for paragraphs (f) and (g), this subdivision shall be enforced by the
commissioner under sections 182.66 and 182.661. A violation of this subdivision is subject
to the penalties provided under section 182.666. Paragraphs (f) and (g) are enforceable by
the commissioner as described in section 179.875, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (k) The entirety of this subdivision may also be enforced as described in section 179.875,
subdivisions 3 to 6.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective November 1, 2023, except subdivision
4, which is effective July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [179.8757] NOTIFICATION REQUIRED.
new text end

new text begin (a) Meat-processing employers must provide written information and notifications about
employee rights under section 179.86 and sections 179.87 to 179.8757 to workers in their
language of fluency at least annually. If a worker is unable to understand written information
and notifications, the employer must provide such information and notices orally in the
worker's language of fluency.
new text end

new text begin (b) The coordinator must notify covered employers of the provisions of sections 179.87
to 179.8757 and any recent updates at least annually.
new text end

new text begin (c) The coordinator must place information explaining sections 179.87 to 179.8757 on
the Department of Labor and Industry's website in at least English, Spanish, and any other
language that at least ten percent of meat-processing workers communicate in fluently. The
coordinator must also make the information accessible to persons with impaired visual
acuity.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective November 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 182.654, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Refusal to work under dangerous conditions.

An employee acting in good
faith has the right to refuse to work under conditions which the employee reasonably believes
present an imminent danger of death or serious physical harm to the employee.

A reasonable belief of imminent danger of death or serious physical harm includes but
is not limited to a reasonable belief of the employee that the employee has been assigned
to work in an unsafe or unhealthful manner with a hazardous substance, harmful physical
agent or infectious agent.

An employer may not discriminate against an employee for a good faith refusal to
perform assigned tasks if the employee has requested that the employer correct the hazardous
conditions but the conditions remain uncorrected.

An employee who has refused in good faith to perform assigned tasks and who has not
been reassigned to other tasks by the employer shall, in addition to retaining a right to
continued employment, receive pay for the tasks which would have been performed if (1)
the employee requests the commissioner to inspect and determine the nature of the hazardous
condition, and (2) the commissioner determines that the employee, by performing the
assigned tasks, would have been placed in imminent danger of death or serious physical
harm.

new text begin Additionally, an administrative law judge may order, in addition to the relief found in
section 182.669:
new text end

new text begin (1) reinstatement of the worker to the same position held before any adverse personnel
action or to an equivalent position; reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights;
compensation for unpaid wages, benefits, and other remuneration; or front pay in lieu of
reinstatement; and
new text end

new text begin (2) compensatory damages payable to the aggrieved worker equal to the greater of $5,000
or twice the actual damages, including unpaid wages, benefits, and other remuneration and
punitive damages.
new text end

ARTICLE 14

WAREHOUSE WORKERS

Section 1.

new text begin [182.6526] WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION WORKER SAFETY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) The terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings
given them.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry.
new text end

new text begin (c)(1) Except as provided in clause (2), "employee" means a nonexempt employee who
works at a warehouse distribution center.
new text end

new text begin (2) For the purposes of subdivisions 2, 3, and 4 only, "employee" means a nonexempt
employee performing warehouse work occurring on the property of a warehouse distribution
center, and does not include a nonexempt employee performing solely manufacturing,
administrative, sales, accounting, human resources, or driving work at a warehouse
distribution center.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Work speed data" means information an employer collects, stores, analyzes, or
interprets relating to an individual employee's or group of employees' pace of work, including
but not limited to quantities of tasks performed, quantities of items or materials handled or
produced, rates or speeds of tasks performed, measurements or metrics of employee
performance in relation to a quota, and time categorized as performing tasks or not
performing tasks.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Employer" means a person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any
other person, including through the services of a third-party employer, temporary service,
or staffing agency or similar entity, employs or exercises control over the wages, hours, or
working conditions of 250 or more employees at a single warehouse distribution center or
1,000 or more employees at one or more warehouse distribution centers in the state. For
purposes of this paragraph, all employees of an employer's unitary business, as that term is
defined in section 290.17, subdivision 4, shall be counted in determining the number of
employees employed at a single warehouse distribution center or at one or more warehouse
distribution centers in the state.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Warehouse distribution center" means an establishment as defined by any of the
following North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes:
new text end

new text begin (1) 493110 for General Warehousing and Storage;
new text end

new text begin (2) 423 for Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods;
new text end

new text begin (3) 424 for Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods;
new text end

new text begin (4) 454110 for Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses; and
new text end

new text begin (5) 492110 for Couriers and Express Delivery Services.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Quota" means a work standard under which:
new text end

new text begin (1) an employee or group of employees is assigned or required to perform at a specified
productivity speed, or perform a quantified number of tasks, or handle or produce a quantified
amount of material, or perform without a certain number of errors or defects, as measured
at the individual or group level within a defined time period; or
new text end

new text begin (2) an employee's actions are categorized between time performing tasks and not
performing tasks, and the employee's failure to complete a task performance standard or
recommendation may have an adverse impact on the employee's continued employment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Written description required. new text end

new text begin (a) Each employer shall provide to each
employee a written description of each quota to which the employee is subject and how it
is measured, including the quantified number of tasks to be performed or materials to be
produced or handled or the limit on time categorized as not performing tasks, within the
defined time period, and any potential adverse employment action that could result from
failure to meet the quota.
new text end

new text begin (b) The written description must be understandable in plain language and in the
employee's language of preference.
new text end

new text begin (c) The written description must be provided:
new text end

new text begin (1) upon hire or within 30 days of the effective date of this section; and
new text end

new text begin (2) no fewer than two working days prior to the effective date of any modification of
existing quotas.
new text end

new text begin (d) An employer shall not take adverse employment action against an employee for
failure to meet a quota that has not been disclosed to the employee.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Breaks. new text end

new text begin An employee shall not be required to meet a quota that prevents
compliance with meal or rest or prayer periods, use of restroom facilities, including
reasonable travel time to and from restroom facilities as provided under section 177.253,
subdivision 1, or occupational health and safety standards under this chapter or Minnesota
Rules, chapter 5205. An employer shall not take adverse employment action against an
employee for failure to meet a quota that does not allow a worker to comply with meal or
rest or prayer periods, or occupational health and safety standards under this chapter.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Work speed data. new text end

new text begin (a) Employees have the right to request orally or in writing
from any supervisor, and the employer shall provide within 72 hours: (1) a written description
of each quota to which the employee is subject; (2) a copy of the most recent 90 days of the
employee's own personal work speed data; and (3) a copy of the prior six months of
aggregated work speed data for similar employees at the same work site.
new text end

new text begin The written description of each quota must meet the requirements of subdivision 2, paragraph
(b), and the work speed data must be provided in a manner understandable to the employee.
An employee may make a request under this paragraph no more than four times per year.
new text end

new text begin (b) If an employer disciplines an employee for failure to meet a quota, the employer
must, at the time of discipline, provide the employee with a written copy of the most recent
90 days of the employee's own personal work speed data. If an employer dismisses an
employee for any reason, they must, at the time of firing, provide the employee with a
written copy of the most recent 90 days of the employee's own personal work speed data.
An employer shall not retaliate against an employee for requesting data under this
subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin High rates of injury. new text end

new text begin If a particular work site or employer is found to have an
employee incidence rate in a given year, based on data reported to the federal Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, of at least 30 percent higher than that year's average
incidence rate for the relevant NAICS code's nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses
by industry and case types, released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the
commissioner shall open an investigation of violations under this section. The employer
must also hold its safety committee meetings as provided under section 182.676 monthly
until, for two consecutive years, the work site or employer does not have an employee
incidence rate 30 percent higher than the average yearly incidence rate for the relevant
NAICS code.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Enforcement. new text end

new text begin (a) Subdivision 2, paragraphs (a) to (c), subdivision 4, and
subdivision 5 shall be enforced by the commissioner under sections 182.66, 182.661, and
182.669. A violation of this section is subject to the penalties provided under sections
182.666 and 182.669.
new text end

new text begin (b) A current or former employee aggrieved by a violation of this section may bring a
civil cause of action for damages and injunctive relief to obtain compliance with this section,
may receive other equitable relief as determined by a court, including reinstatement with
back pay, and may, upon prevailing in the action, recover costs and reasonable attorney
fees in that action. A cause of action under this section must be commenced within one year
of the date of the violation.
new text end

new text begin (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent local enforcement of occupational
health and safety standards that are more restrictive than this section.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin SEVERABILITY.
new text end

new text begin If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is
held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the act which
can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
new text end

ARTICLE 15

CONSTRUCTION WORKER WAGE PROTECTIONS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Examination of records.

The commissioner may enter during reasonable
office hours or upon request and inspect the place of business or employment of any employer
of employees working in the state, to examine and inspect books, registers, payrolls, and
other records of any employer that in any way relate to wages, hours, and other conditions
of employment of any employees. The commissioner may transcribe any or all of the books,
registers, payrolls, and other records as the commissioner deems necessary or appropriate
and may question the employees to ascertain compliance with sections 177.21 to 177.435 new text begin
and 181.165 new text end . The commissioner may investigate wage claims or complaints by an employee
against an employer if the failure to pay a wage may violate Minnesota law or an order or
rule of the department.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Compliance orders.

The commissioner may issue an order requiring an
employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.435, 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 181.032,
181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, new text begin 181.165, new text end 181.172, paragraph (a) or (d),
181.275, subdivision 2a, 181.722, 181.79, and 181.939 to 181.943, or with any rule
promulgated under section 177.28. The commissioner shall issue an order requiring an
employer to comply with sections 177.41 to 177.435 new text begin or 181.165 new text end if the violation is repeated.
For purposes of this subdivision only, a violation is repeated if at any time during the two
years that preceded the date of violation, the commissioner issued an order to the employer
for violation of sections 177.41 to 177.435 new text begin or 181.165 new text end and the order is final or the
commissioner and the employer have entered into a settlement agreement that required the
employer to pay back wages that were required by sections 177.41 to 177.435. The
department shall serve the order upon the employer or the employer's authorized
representative in person or by certified mail at the employer's place of business. An employer
who wishes to contest the order must file written notice of objection to the order with the
commissioner within 15 calendar days after being served with the order. A contested case
proceeding must then be held in accordance with sections 14.57 to 14.69 new text begin or 181.165 new text end . If,
within 15 calendar days after being served with the order, the employer fails to file a written
notice of objection with the commissioner, the order becomes a final order of the
commissioner. new text begin For the purposes of this subdivision, an employer includes a contractor that
has assumed a subcontractor's liability within the meaning of section 181.165.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Court actions; suits brought by private parties.

An employee may bring a
civil action seeking redress for a violation or violations of sections 177.21 to 177.44 new text begin and
181.165 new text end directly to district court. An employer who pays an employee less than the wages
and overtime compensation to which the employee is entitled under sections 177.21 to
177.44 new text begin or a contractor that has assumed a subcontractor's liability as required by section
181.165, new text end is liable to the employee for the full amount of the wages, gratuities, and overtime
compensation, less any amount the employer new text begin or contractor new text end is able to establish was actually
paid to the employee and for an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. In addition,
in an action under this subdivision the employee may seek damages and other appropriate
relief provided by subdivision 7 and otherwise provided by law. An agreement between the
employee and the employer to work for less than the applicable wage is not a defense to
the action.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

District court jurisdiction.

Any action brought under subdivision 8 may be
filed in the district court of the county wherein a violation or violations of sections 177.21
to 177.44 new text begin or 181.165 new text end are alleged to have been committed, where the respondent resides or
has a principal place of business, or any other court of competent jurisdiction. The action
may be brought by one or more employees.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 177.27, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Attorney fees and costs.

In any action brought pursuant to subdivision 8, the
court shall order an employer who is found to have committed a violation or violations of
sections 177.21 to 177.44 new text begin or 181.165 new text end to pay to the employee or employees reasonable costs,
disbursements, witness fees, and attorney fees.

Sec. 6.

new text begin [181.165] WAGE PROTECTION; CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Claimant" means any person claiming unpaid wages, fringe benefits, penalties, or
resulting liquidated damages that are owed as required by law, including any applicable
statute, regulation, rule, ordinance, government resolution or policy, contract, or other legal
authority.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" refers to the commissioner of labor and industry.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Construction contract" means a written or oral agreement for the construction,
reconstruction, erection, alteration, remodeling, repairing, maintenance, moving, or
demolition of any building, structure, or improvement, or relating to the excavation of or
development or improvement to land. For purposes of this section, a construction contract
shall not include a home improvement contract for the performance of a home improvement
between a home improvement contractor and the owner of an owner-occupied dwelling,
and a home construction contract for one- or two-family dwelling units except where such
contract or contracts results in the construction of more than ten one- or two-family
owner-occupied dwellings at one project site annually.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Contractor" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, company,
organization, or other entity, including a construction manager, general or prime contractor,
joint venture, or any combination thereof, along with their successors, heirs, and assigns,
which enters into a construction contract with an owner. An owner shall be deemed a
contractor and liable as such under this section if said owner has entered into a construction
contract with more than one contractor or subcontractor on any construction site.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Owner" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association, company,
organization, or other entity, or a combination of any thereof, with an ownership interest,
whether the interest or estate is in fee, as vendee under a contract to purchase, as lessee or
another interest or estate less than fee that causes a building, structure, or improvement,
new or existing, to be constructed, reconstructed, erected, altered, remodeled, repaired,
maintained, moved, or demolished or that causes land to be excavated or otherwise developed
or improved.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Subcontractor" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, company,
association, organization or other entity, or any combination thereof, that is a party to a
contract with a contractor or party to a contract with the contractor's subcontractors at any
tier to perform any portion of work within the scope of the contractor's construction contract
with the owner, including where the subcontractor has no direct privity of contract with the
contractor. When the owner is deemed a contractor, subcontractor also includes the owner's
contractors.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Assumption of liability. new text end

new text begin (a) A contractor entering into a construction contract
shall assume and is liable for any unpaid wages, fringe benefits, penalties, and resulting
liquidated damages owed to a claimant or third party acting on the claimant's behalf by a
subcontractor at any tier acting under, by, or for the contractor or its subcontractors for the
claimant's performance of labor.
new text end

new text begin (b) A contractor or any other person shall not evade or commit any act that negates the
requirements of this section. No agreement by an employee or subcontractor to indemnify
a contractor or otherwise release or transfer liability assigned to a contractor under this
section shall be valid. However, if a contractor has satisfied unpaid wage claims of an
employee and incurred fees and costs in doing so, such contractor may then pursue actual
and liquidated damages from any subcontractor who caused the contractor to incur those
damages.
new text end

new text begin (c) A contractor shall not evade liability under this section by claiming that a person is
an independent contractor rather than an employee of a subcontractor unless the person
meets the criteria required by section 181.723, subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Enforcement. new text end

new text begin (a) In the case of a complaint filed with the commissioner under
section 177.27, subdivision 1, or a private civil action by an employee under section 177.27,
subdivision 8, such employee may designate any person, organization, or collective
bargaining agent authorized to file a complaint with the commissioner or in court pursuant
to this section to make a wage claim on the claimant's behalf.
new text end

new text begin (b) In the case of an action against a subcontractor, the contractor shall be jointly and
severally liable for any unpaid wages, benefits, penalties, and any other remedies available
pursuant to this section.
new text end

new text begin (c) Claims shall be brought consistent with section 541.07, clause (5), for the initiation
of such claim under this section in a court of competent jurisdiction or the filing of a
complaint with the commissioner or attorney general. The provisions of this section do not
diminish, impair, or otherwise infringe on any other right of an employee to bring an action
or file a complaint against any employer.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Payroll records; data. new text end

new text begin (a) Within 15 days of a request by a contractor to a
subcontractor, the subcontractor, and any other subcontractors hired under contract to the
subcontractor shall provide payroll records, which, at minimum, contain all lawfully required
information for all workers providing labor on the project. The payroll records shall contain
sufficient information to apprise the contractor or subcontractor of such subcontractor's
payment of wages and fringe benefit contributions to a third party on the workers' behalf.
Payroll records shall be marked or redacted to an extent only to prevent disclosure of the
employee's Social Security number.
new text end

new text begin (b) Within 15 days of a request of a contractor or a contractor's subcontractor, any
subcontractor that performs any portion of work within the scope of the contractor's
construction contract with an owner shall provide:
new text end

new text begin (1) the names of all employees and independent contractors of the subcontractor on the
project, including the names of all those designated as independent contractors and, when
applicable, the name of the contractor's subcontractor with whom the subcontractor is under
contract;
new text end

new text begin (2) the anticipated contract start date;
new text end

new text begin (3) the scheduled duration of work;
new text end

new text begin (4) when applicable, local unions with which such subcontractor is a signatory contractor;
and
new text end

new text begin (5) the name and telephone number of a contact for the subcontractor.
new text end

new text begin (c) Unless otherwise required by law, a contractor or subcontractor shall not disclose an
individual's personal identifying information to the general public, except that the contractor
or subcontractor can confirm that the individual works for them and provide the individual's
full name.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Payments to contractors and subcontractors. new text end

new text begin Nothing in this section shall
alter the owner's obligation to pay a contractor, or a contractor's obligation to pay a
subcontractor as set forth in section 337.10, except as expressly permitted by this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Exemptions. new text end

new text begin (a) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to diminish the rights,
privileges, or remedies of any employee under any collective bargaining agreement. This
section shall not apply to any contractor or subcontractor that is a signatory to a bona fide
collective bargaining agreement with a building and construction trade labor organization
that: (1) contains a grievance procedure that may be used to recover unpaid wages on behalf
of employees covered by the agreement; and (2) provides for collection of unpaid
contributions to fringe benefit trust funds established pursuant to United States Code, title
29, section 186(c)(5)-(6), by or on behalf of such trust funds.
new text end

new text begin (b) This section does not apply to work for which prevailing wage rates apply under
sections 177.41 to 177.44.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 181.171, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Employer; definition.

"Employer" means any person having one or more
employees in Minnesota and includes the state new text begin or a contractor that has assumed a
subcontractor's liability within the meaning of section 181.165 new text end and any political subdivision
of the state. This definition applies to this section and sections 181.02, 181.03, 181.031,
181.032, 181.06, 181.063, 181.10, 181.101, 181.13, 181.14, and 181.16.

Sec. 8. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 to 7 are effective August 1, 2023, and apply to contracts or agreements entered
into, renewed, modified, or amended on or after that date.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: UES3035-2

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.

No active language found for: 177.26.3

Repealed Minnesota Session Laws: UES3035-2

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; as amended by Laws 2023, chapter 53, article 15, section 34

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.