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HF 2446

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/22/2012 02:47pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
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A bill for an act
relating to workforce development; establishing an emergency employment
development program; providing wage subsidies; designating the Middle Class
Jobs Act; establishing the Grow Minnesota Development Authority; providing
for early warning; modifying sick leave; amending business subsidy disclosure
requirements; clarifying workplace communications; modifying minimum wage
requirements; creating penalties; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 16C.08, subdivision 4; 116J.035,
by adding subdivisions; 116J.994, subdivisions 7, 8, by adding a subdivision;
116L.976, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 177.24, subdivision 1;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16C; 181;
proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116X.

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

ARTICLE 1

TITLE

Section 1. new text beginTITLE.
new text end

new text begin This act shall be known as the "Middle Class Jobs 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

ARTICLE 2

MINNESOTA EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (MEDI)

Section 1.

new text begin CITATION.
new text end

new text begin This article may be cited as the "Minnesota Employment Development Initiative
(MEDI) Act of 2012."
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin DEFINITIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Terms. new text end

new text begin For the purposes of sections 2 to 14, the following terms
have the meanings given them.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Department. new text end

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

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Eligible business. new text end

new text begin "Eligible business" means a for-profit business.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Eligible employer. new text end

new text begin "Eligible employer" means an eligible nonprofit
agency, or an eligible business.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Eligible job applicant. new text end

new text begin "Eligible job applicant" means a person who:
new text end

new text begin (1)(i) has been a resident of Minnesota for at least six of the last 12 months;
new text end

new text begin (ii) is currently unemployed and has been unemployed for at least 12 of the last 16
months except as provided for under clause (2), item (i);
new text end

new text begin (iii) has attempted to secure a nonsubsidized job by completing a comprehensive job
search program administered by a county or workforce service area; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) is determined by the employment administrator to be likely to be available for
employment by an eligible employer for the duration of the job; and
new text end

new text begin (2) meets at least one of the following requirements:
new text end

new text begin (i) is at least 50 years of age and has been unemployed for at least six of the last
12 months;
new text end

new text begin (ii) requires education or training to meet the minimum qualifications of the job; or
new text end

new text begin (iii) requires training for a position which the employer has been unable to fill due to
an absence of qualified applicants.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Eligible nonprofit agency. new text end

new text begin "Eligible nonprofit agency" means an
organization exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, section
501(c)(3), as amended.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Employment administrator. new text end

new text begin "Employment administrator" means the
administrative entity designated by the commissioner to administer the provisions of the
Minnesota Employment Development Initiative (MEDI) in each workforce service area.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Household. new text end

new text begin "Household" means an individual, the individual's spouse, and
any person considered a dependent under sections 151 and 152 of the Internal Revenue
Code domiciled at the same address.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Program. new text end

new text begin "Program" means the MEDI created by sections 2 to 14.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Workforce service area. new text end

new text begin "Workforce service area" means an area
designated as a workforce service area under section 116L.666.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall administer the provisions of sections
2 to 14. The commissioner shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) enter into contracts with the workforce service areas within 30 days of final
enactment of this article;
new text end

new text begin (2) review the employment development plan submitted by the employment
administrator of each workforce service area and approve satisfactory plans. If an
employment administrator submits an unsatisfactory plan, the department shall assist the
employment administrator in developing a satisfactory one;
new text end

new text begin (3) coordinate the program with other state agencies;
new text end

new text begin (4) coordinate administration of the program with the Minnesota family investment
program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 256J;
new text end

new text begin (5) set policies regarding disbursement of program funds;
new text end

new text begin (6) perform general program marketing and monitoring functions; and
new text end

new text begin (7) apply to the federal government for a waiver allowing Minnesota to use
unemployment insurance benefits for wage subsidies and to seek federal funding for
this program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Enforcement. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall ensure that all eligible employers
and employment administrators comply with sections 2 to 14 and all other applicable state
and federal laws, including those relating to:
new text end

new text begin (1) affirmative action;
new text end

new text begin (2) occupational health and safety standards;
new text end

new text begin (3) environmental standards; and
new text end

new text begin (4) fair labor practices.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report to governor and legislature. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall report
semiannually to the governor and the chairs of the standing committees of the house
of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over employment and economic
development issues:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of persons employed and other information including the age of the
person, employment status prior to participation in the program, and training required;
new text end

new text begin (2) the number and type of employers under the program;
new text end

new text begin (3) the amount of money spent in each service delivery area for wages for each type
of employment and each type of other expense;
new text end

new text begin (4) the number of persons who have completed participation in the program and their
current employment, educational, or training status; and
new text end

new text begin (5) any other information deemed pertinent by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Rules. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to implement the
MEDI Act of 2012.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AMONG WORKFORCE SERVICE AREAS.
new text end

new text begin (a) Ninety percent of the funds available for allocation to employment administrators
for the program must be allocated among eligible workforce service areas. Workforce
service areas are eligible to receive that proportion of the funds available which equals
the number of unemployed persons in the workforce service area divided by the total
number of unemployed persons in the state for the 12-month period ending the most
recent March 31.
new text end

new text begin (b) Ten percent of the funds available for allocation to employment administrators
under the program must be allocated at the discretion of the commissioner to employment
administrators:
new text end

new text begin (1) who will maximize the use of the funds through coordination with other
programs and state, local, and federal agencies, including the use of matching funds;
new text end

new text begin (2) who have demonstrated need beyond the allocation available under paragraph
(a); or
new text end

new text begin (3) who have demonstrated outstanding performance in job creation.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin ALLOCATION WITHIN WORKFORCE SERVICE AREA.
new text end

new text begin The employment administrator within each workforce service area shall determine
allocation of funds within a workforce service area.
new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin USE OF FUNDS.
new text end

new text begin (a) Funds appropriated for the purposes of the program may be used as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) to provide a state contribution for wages and fringe benefits for eligible job
applicants for a maximum of 2,080 hours over a maximum period of 52 weeks per job
applicant. For eligible job applicants participating in a job training program, the state
contribution for wages may be used for a maximum period of 52 weeks per job applicant.
The state contribution for wages shall be 50 percent of the wage up to $12 per hour for
each eligible job applicant employed by an eligible employer. The employer may use
funds from other sources to provide increased wages to the applicants it employs. At
least 95 percent of the funds appropriated for the program must be used to pay wages
for eligible job applicants;
new text end

new text begin (2) to reimburse the department for the actual cost of administering the program;
new text end

new text begin (3) to reimburse the employment administrators for the actual cost of program
operations. The commissioner and the employment administrators shall reallocate funds
from other sources to cover the administrative costs of this program whenever possible;
new text end

new text begin (4) to provide child care services or subsidies to applicants employed under the
program;
new text end

new text begin (5) to provide workers' compensation coverage to applicants employed by
government or nonprofit agencies under the program; and
new text end

new text begin (6) to provide job search assistance, labor market orientation, job-seeking skills, and
referral for other services.
new text end

new text begin (b) Any funds allocated to the workforce service area for which there is no spending
plan approved by the commissioner or which are significantly underspent in the reporting
period shall cancel back to the Minnesota emergency employment development account
and must be reallocated by the commissioner to other employment administrators.
new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATORS; POWERS AND DUTIES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin In general. new text end

new text begin The employment administrator for each workforce
service area has the powers and duties given in this section and any additional duties
given by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Employment plan. new text end

new text begin Each employment administrator shall develop an
employment development plan for the workforce service area under guidelines developed
by the commissioner and submit it to the commissioner within the period allowed by the
commissioner. To the extent feasible, the employment administrator shall seek input from
potential eligible employers and the public.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Outreach. new text end

new text begin Each employment administrator shall publicize the program
within the workforce service area to seek maximum participation by eligible job applicants
and employers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Contracts. new text end

new text begin Each employment administrator shall enter into contracts with
eligible employers setting forth the terms of the employers' participation in the program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Screening and coordination. new text end

new text begin Each employment administrator shall screen
job applicants and employers to achieve the best possible placement of eligible job
applicants with eligible employers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Eligible job applicant lists. new text end

new text begin Each employment administrator shall
maintain a list of eligible job applicants unable to secure employment under the program
at the time of application.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Coordination of education and training programs. new text end

new text begin Each employment
administrator shall cooperate with local educational and training institutions to coordinate
and publicize the availability of their resources to assure that applicants may receive
training needed before or while employed in jobs made available under the program.
new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin ELIGIBLE EMPLOYERS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Eligible employers. new text end

new text begin An employer is an eligible employer if it enters
into a written contract with the employment administrator in its workforce service area
containing assurances that:
new text end

new text begin (1) funds received by an employer shall be used only as permitted under section 6;
new text end

new text begin (2) the employer has submitted a plan to the employment administrator:
new text end

new text begin (i) describing the duties and proposed compensation of each employee proposed to
be hired under the program; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) demonstrating that, with the funds provided under the program, the employer is
likely to succeed and continue to employ persons hired under the program;
new text end

new text begin (3) the employer will use funds exclusively for compensation and fringe benefits
of eligible job applicants and will provide employees hired with these funds with fringe
benefits and other terms and conditions of employment comparable to those provided to
other employees of the employer who do comparable work;
new text end

new text begin (4) the funds are necessary to allow the employer to commence or expand operations,
or to employ additional people, but not to fill positions which would be filled even in
the absence of funds from this program;
new text end

new text begin (5) the employer will cooperate with the commissioner and the employment
administrator in collecting data to assess the result of the program; and
new text end

new text begin (6) the employer is in compliance with all applicable affirmative action, fair labor,
health, safety, and environmental standards.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Employer accountability. new text end

new text begin (a) An employer receiving funds under this
program is expected to retain employees at least 12 months beyond the initial 12-month
subsidy period. In the event an employer terminates participation in the subsidy program
during the initial 12-month subsidy phase for any participant, the employer shall pay
back 50 percent of the subsidies received to date. In the event an employer has not
retained a participant at least 90 days beyond the subsidy phase, the employer shall pay
back 25 percent of the wage subsidies received. In the event an employer has retained
a participant 12 months beyond the subsidy period, the employer will be eligible for a
bonus equivalent to $4 per hour for the hours the participant worked during the 12 months
beyond the initial subsidy period.
new text end

new text begin (b) If an employer dismisses an employee for good cause or the employee chooses to
leave the position and the employer works in good faith with the program administrator
to employ and train another person referred by the employment administrator, the
accountability conditions shall apply as if the original participant had fulfilled the
employment timeline.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Recovery of payments. new text end

new text begin If the commissioner at any time determines that
funds have been used to fill positions that would have been filled in the absence of funds
from this program, the employer shall repay all funds received under this program.
new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin MINNESOTA EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT.
new text end

new text begin The Minnesota employment development account is created in the state treasury.
All payments an employer pays under section 8 shall be deposited in this account, and all
funds in the account are appropriated to the commissioner of employment and economic
development for the purpose of making disbursements allowed under the MEDI program.
new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin WORKER DISPLACEMENT PROHIBITED.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Layoffs; work reductions. new text end

new text begin An eligible employer may not terminate,
lay off, or reduce the working hours of an employee for the purpose of hiring an individual
with funds available under the MEDI program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Hiring during layoffs. new text end

new text begin An eligible employer may not hire an individual
with funds available under sections 2 to 14 if any other person has been laid off from the
same or a substantially equivalent job within the previous six months.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Employer certification. new text end

new text begin In order to qualify as an eligible employer, a
nonprofit agency or business must certify to the employment administrator that each job
created and funded under sections 2 to 14:
new text end

new text begin (1) will result in an increase in employment opportunities over those which would
otherwise be available;
new text end

new text begin (2) will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers, including
partial displacement such as reduction in hours of nonovertime work, wages, or
employment benefits; and
new text end

new text begin (3) will not impair existing contracts for service or result in the substitution of
program funds for other funds in connection with work that would otherwise be performed.
new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin TERMINATION; NOTIFICATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) On the date the program is terminated, any balance remaining in the Minnesota
employment development account established under section 9 shall cancel to the general
fund. Any payments received on or after that date shall be deposited in the general fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall immediately terminate the Minnesota employment
development program if and when none of the money appropriated under section 13
remains.
new text end

Sec. 12.

new text begin SUNSET.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 to 11 and 13 expire June 30, 2016.
new text end

Sec. 13. new text beginAPPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $25,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner for
deposit in the Minnesota employment development account each year for the Minnesota
Employment Development Initiative (MEDI) Act of 2012. Any unexpended balance
remaining at the end of the fiscal year does not cancel and is available until expended.
new text end

Sec. 14. new text beginEFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin This article is effective July 1, 2012.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

GROW MINNESOTA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Section 1.

new text begin [116X.01] GROW MINNESOTA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
ACT.
new text end

new text begin This chapter may be cited as the "Grow Minnesota Development Authority Act."
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [116X.02] DEFINITIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Applicability. new text end

new text begin For the purposes of this chapter, the terms in this
section have the meanings given them.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Authority. new text end

new text begin "Authority" means the Grow Minnesota Development
Authority.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Eligible recipient. new text end

new text begin "Eligible recipient" means an entity primarily operating
to create and retain jobs in the state and maximize the economic growth of the state
through:
new text end

new text begin (1) infrastructure development;
new text end

new text begin (2) workforce development;
new text end

new text begin (3) site selection incentives; or
new text end

new text begin (4) assistance with financing, including closing costs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Advisory commission. new text end

new text begin "Advisory commission" means the advisory
commission under section 116X.06.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [116X.03] GROW MINNESOTA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin The Grow Minnesota Development Authority consists
of the commissioners of employment and economic development, management and
budget, revenue, commerce, and agriculture.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Chair; other officers. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of employment and economic
development shall serve as the chair and chief executive officer of the authority. The
authority shall rotate the position of vice-chair annually among its members. The
commissioner of employment and economic development shall convene the first meeting
of the authority no later than August 1, 2012. In the absence of the chair or vice-chair at
meetings of the authority, members may elect a chair for the meeting and may elect other
officers as necessary from its members.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Delegation. new text end

new text begin In addition to any powers to delegate that members of the
authority have as commissioners, they may delegate to the chair, vice-chair, or executive
director their responsibilities as members of the authority for reviewing and approving
financing of eligible projects, projects that have been authorized by law, or programs
specifically authorized by resolution of the authority.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Actions. new text end

new text begin (a) A majority of the authority, excluding vacancies, constitutes a
quorum to conduct its business, to exercise its powers, and for all other purposes.
new text end

new text begin (b) The authority may conduct its business by any technological means available,
including interactive video or teleconference calls, that allows for an interaction between
members. If a meeting is conducted under this paragraph, a specific location must be
available for the public to attend the meeting and at least one member must be present at
that location.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Executive director; staffing. new text end

new text begin The authority shall employ an executive
director in the unclassified service. The executive director is responsible for hiring staff
necessary to assist the executive director to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the
authority. The executive director shall perform duties that the authority may require in
carrying out its responsibilities to manage and implement the funds and programs in this
chapter, and comply with all state and federal program requirements and state and federal
securities, tax laws, and regulations. The executive director shall assist the advisory board
in fulfilling its duties under this chapter.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Administrative services. new text end

new text begin The authority shall enter into agreements for
administrative and professional services and technical support.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin This section expires June 30, 2020. Section 15.059,
subdivision 5, does not apply to the authority.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [116X.04] POWERS AND DUTIES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The Grow Minnesota Development Authority shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) develop a strategic vision for economic development in all areas of the state;
new text end

new text begin (2) define and guide a tactical economic development agenda;
new text end

new text begin (3) brand and market the state and individual regions within the state to internal
and external audiences;
new text end

new text begin (4) develop, promote, and administer initiatives to retain and expand current
businesses in the state;
new text end

new text begin (5) develop, promote, and administer initiatives to attract new businesses to the state;
new text end

new text begin (6) connect businesses with state and local resources and incentives;
new text end

new text begin (7) provide grants or other forms of financial assistance to eligible recipients
for purposes of this chapter pursuant to evidence-based outcome criteria and measures
developed by the authority; and
new text end

new text begin (8) coordinate workshops, assistance with business proposals, licensing, intellectual
property protection, commercialization, and government auditing with the University of
Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Power to sue; enter contracts. new text end

new text begin The authority may sue and be sued. The
authority may make and enter into contracts, leases, and agreements necessary to perform
its duties and exercise its powers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Gifts; grants. new text end

new text begin The authority may apply for, accept, and disburse gifts,
grants, loans, or other property from the United States, the state, private sources, or
any other source for any of its purposes. Money received by the authority under this
subdivision must be deposited in the state treasury and is appropriated to the authority to
carry out its duties.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Contract for services. new text end

new text begin The authority may retain or contract for the
services of accountants, financial advisors, and other consultants or agents needed to
perform its duties and exercise its powers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Fees. new text end

new text begin The authority may set and collect fees for costs incurred by the
authority, the Departments of Employment and Economic Development, Management
and Budget, Revenue, Commerce, and Agriculture, including costs for personnel and
professional and administrative services.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Reports. new text end

new text begin (a) The authority shall report by February 1 each year to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over finance and economic development on its progress to design, coordinate,
and administer a strategic economic development and job creation agenda for the state
to promote the welfare of the people of the state, maximize the economic growth of the
state, and create and retain jobs in the state.
new text end

new text begin (b) The report must include a complete operating and financial statement covering
the authority's operations during the year, including amounts of income from all sources.
Books and records of the authority are subject to audit by the legislative auditor in the
manner prescribed for state agencies.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Consultative and technical services. new text end

new text begin The authority may provide general
consultative and technical services to assist eligible projects and enter into agreements or
other transactions concerning the receipt or provision of those services.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Financial information. new text end

new text begin Financial information, including credit reports,
financial statements, and net worth calculations, received or prepared by the authority
regarding financial assistance, is private data with regard to data on individuals as defined
in section 13.02, subdivision 12, and nonpublic data with regard to data not on individuals
as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 9.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin General. new text end

new text begin The authority shall have all powers necessary and appropriate to
fulfill its responsibilities under this chapter.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [116X.05] PROJECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Determination of financial assistance. new text end

new text begin The authority shall assist
eligible recipients in identifying grants or other sources of financial assistance available to
finance projects and may assist eligible recipients in applying for and obtaining grants and
other forms of assistance.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Financial feasibility review. new text end

new text begin (a) The authority shall review the proposed
financing for each project submitted to the authority to determine whether: (1) the
proposed project and financing plan is an eligible use of the money; and (2) the proposal is
in compliance with applicable state and federal tax and securities laws and regulations.
Grants in excess of $50,000 must be approved by the authority. Grants of $50,000 or less
may be authorized by the executive director. All grant approvals or disapprovals must
be completed within 30 days of submission to the authority. Grants approved by the
executive director must be reviewed by the authority each month.
new text end

new text begin (b) Unless a project is specifically authorized by law, the authority may reject the
proposed financing for a project meeting the requirements in paragraph (a) if there are not
sufficient funds available or if a majority of members believe the financing of the project
would not be in the best interests of the state or would be detrimental to the authority's
funds or programs. A determination to reject a proposed project must not be made in an
arbitrary and capricious manner, and must be supported by substantive evidence and
documented by a resolution of the authority stating its findings.
new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [116X.06] ADVISORY COMMISSION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin A Grow Minnesota Advisory Commission of 18
members is established and comprised of:
new text end

new text begin (1) two representatives of the University of Minnesota, selected by the president of
the university;
new text end

new text begin (2) two representatives of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, selected
by the chancellor;
new text end

new text begin (3) the chief executive officer of Mayo Clinic or a designee;
new text end

new text begin (4) six chief executive officers or designees from Minnesota businesses or business
organizations;
new text end

new text begin (5) five representatives from state or local governments;
new text end

new text begin (6) one representative of organized labor; and
new text end

new text begin (7) a venture capital representative.
new text end

new text begin Members of the commission listed in clauses (4) to (7) shall be appointed by the
authority.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The advisory commission must assist the authority in developing
a comprehensive economic development plan to be presented to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over
economic development by January 15, 2014. The plan must include recommendations in
strategic areas for economic development and job creation initiatives and investments,
selection of specific programs and grantees for support from program funds authorized by
the advisory commission and ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of programmatic
elements according to metrics to be developed by the authority in consultation with the
advisory commission. The advisory commission may also advise and assist the authority
in fulfilling its duties under section 116X.04.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Membership terms; vacancies; compensation. new text end

new text begin The membership terms,
removal of members, and filling of vacancies are as provided under section 15.059. The
executive director may provide compensation to members if funds are available.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin The advisory commission expires June 30, 2020.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Convening of meetings; staffing. new text end

new text begin The executive director of the authority
must convene the first meeting of the commission by September 1, 2012. The executive
director must provide administrative support and staff to the commission.
new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [116X.07] MONEY OF THE AUTHORITY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Functions of commissioner of management and budget. new text end

new text begin Except
as otherwise provided in this section, money of the authority must be paid to the
commissioner of management and budget as agent of the authority and the commissioner
shall not commingle the money with other money. The money in the accounts of the
authority must be paid out only on warrants drawn by the commissioner of management
and budget on requisition of the executive director of the authority or of another officer or
employee as the authority authorizes. Deposits of the authority's money must, if required
by the commissioner or the authority, be secured by obligations of the United States or of
the state of a market value equal at all times to the amount of the deposit and all banks and
trust companies are authorized to give security for the deposits. All money paid to the
commissioner as agent of the authority is appropriated to the authority. The commissioner
must annually report to the committees of the legislature with responsibility for economic
development and management and budget on the use of appropriations under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin System of accounts. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of management and budget shall
prescribe a system of accounts.
new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [116X.08] NONLIABILITY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Nonliability of individuals. new text end

new text begin No member of the authority, staff of
the authority, or other person executing other agreements or contracts of the authority is
liable personally or is subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of the
issuance, execution, delivery, or performance of the agreement or contract.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Nonliability of state. new text end

new text begin The state is not liable on loans or other agreements
or contracts of the authority issued or entered into under this chapter and the loans or
other agreements or contracts of the authority are not a debt of the state. The loans or
other agreements or contracts of the authority must contain on their face a statement
to that effect.
new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [116X.09] STATE PLEDGE AGAINST IMPAIRMENT OF CONTRACTS.
new text end

new text begin The state pledges and agrees with parties to any loans or other agreements or
contracts of the authority that the state will not: (1) limit or alter the rights vested in the
authority to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the parties to any loans or other
agreements or contracts of the authority; or (2) in any way impair the rights and remedies
of the parties to any loans or other agreements or contracts of the authority. The authority
may include this pledge and agreement of the state in any agreement with the parties in
any loans or other agreements or contracts of the authority.
new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [116X.10] RESERVES; FUNDS; ACCOUNTS.
new text end

new text begin The authority may establish reserves, funds, or accounts necessary to carry out the
purposes of the authority or to comply with any agreement made by or any resolution
passed by the authority.
new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin [116X.11] TRANSFER.
new text end

new text begin The unencumbered and unexpended balances as of June 30, 2012, of any funds
appropriated for the primary purposes of promoting economic development or job
creation activities in the state shall be transferred by July 2, 2012, by the commissioner
of management and budget and credited to the authority as provided for under section
116X.07.
new text end

Sec. 12. new text beginEFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin This article is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

ARTICLE 4

EARLY WARNING PLANT CLOSINGS, JOB RELOCATION, MASS LAYOFFS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.035, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:


new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Compliance orders. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may issue an order requiring an
employer to comply with section 116L.976. 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 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. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.035, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Civil actions. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may bring an action in the district court
where an employer resides or where the commissioner maintains an office to enforce or
require compliance with orders issued under subdivision 8.
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. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.035, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Employer liability. new text end

new text begin If an employer is found by the commissioner to
have violated a section identified in subdivision 8, or any rule adopted under section
116L.976, 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 treble damages, less any
amount actually paid to the employee by the employer, and an additional equal amount as
liquidated damages. Any employer who is found by the commissioner to have repeatedly
or willfully violated section 116L.976 shall be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 for each
violation for each employee. In determining the amount of a civil penalty under this
subdivision, the appropriateness of the 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, 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 following:
new text end

new text begin (1) costs of services rendered by the attorney general, including reasonable attorney
fees;
new text end

new text begin (2) costs of services of private attorneys if engaged by the department and reasonable
attorney fees;
new text end

new text begin (3) costs of services of administrative law judges, court reporters, and expert
witnesses; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the cost of transcripts.
new text end

new text begin 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.
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. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.035, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Court actions; suits brought by private parties. new text end

new text begin An employee may
bring a civil action seeking redress for a violation or violations of section 116L.976
directly to district court. An employer who violates the requirements under section
116L.976 is liable to the employee for the full amount of the wages, gratuities, and
overtime compensation, and for an additional equal amount as liquidated damages. In
addition, in an action under this subdivision the employee may seek treble damages and
other appropriate relief provided by subdivision 10 and otherwise provided by law.
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. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.035, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin District court jurisdiction. new text end

new text begin Any action brought under subdivision 11
may be filed in the district court of the county where a violation of section 116L.976 is
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.
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. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.035, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Attorney fees and costs. new text end

new text begin In any action brought pursuant to subdivision
11, the court shall order an employer who is found to have committed a violation of
section 116L.976 to pay the employee's costs, disbursements, witness fees, and reasonable
attorney fees.
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. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116L.976, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Notice.

(a) deleted text beginThe commissioner shall encourage those business
establishments
deleted text endnew text begin An employernew text end considering deleted text begina decision to effectdeleted text end a plant closing, substantial
layoff, or relocation of operations located in this state deleted text begintodeleted text endnew text begin shallnew text end give new text begin60 days' new text endnotice of
that decision deleted text beginas early as possibledeleted text end to the commissioner, the employees of the affected
establishment, any employee organization representing the employees, and the local
government unit in which the affected establishment is located. This notice shall be in
addition to any notice required under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification
Act, United States Code, title 29, section 2101.new text begin All exemptions provided by United States
Code, title 29, sections 2101 to 2109, under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining
Notification Act, shall be recognized and enforced under this provision.
new text end

(b) For purposes of this section, "plant closing" means the announced or actual
permanent or temporary shutdown of a single site of employment, or one or more facilities
or operating units within a single site of employment, if the shutdown results in an
employment loss at the single site of employment during any 30-day period for 50 or more
employees excluding employees who work less than 20 hours per week.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116L.976, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Penalties for noncompliance. new text end

new text begin In addition to other fines and penalties
provided by law, an aggrieved person may bring a civil action against an employer who:
new text end

new text begin (1) violates the provisions of this section;
new text end

new text begin (2) violates federal requirements under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining
Notification Act, United States Code, title 29, sections 2101 to 2109; and
new text end

new text begin (3) intentionally denies payment of back pay and benefits for the period of violation,
up to 60 days as required under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act.
new text end

new text begin A plaintiff prevailing in an action under this subdivision is entitled to treble damages,
along with an award of costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2012, and applies to crimes
committed and causes of action arising on or after that date.
new text end

ARTICLE 5

HEALTHY FAMILIES, HEALTHY WORKPLACES

Section 1.

new text begin [181.9395] SICK LEAVE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Citation; Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act. new text end

new text begin This section
may be cited as the "Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act."
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 following definitions
apply.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Child" means biological child, adopted or foster child, stepchild or legal ward,
or a child to whom the employee stands in loco parentis who is under the age of 18 years
or who is 18 years of age or older but incapable of self care or earning a living due to a
physical or mental disability or incapacity.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry or an authorized
designee or representative.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Department" means the Department of Labor and Industry.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Domestic abuse" is as defined in the Domestic Abuse Act, section 518B.01,
subdivision 2, paragraph (a), and includes a threat of such acts committed against
an individual, regardless of whether these acts or threats have been reported to law
enforcement officers.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Employ" has the meaning given in section 177.23, subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Employee" has the meaning given in section 177.23, subdivision 7, and
includes recipients of public benefits who are engaged in work activity as a condition of
receiving public assistance.
new text end

new text begin (h) "Employer" has the meaning given in section 177.23, subdivision 6.
new text end

new text begin (i) "Extended family member" means any other individual related by blood or affinity
whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.
new text end

new text begin (j) "Grandparent" means a parent of a parent.
new text end

new text begin (k) "Paid sick leave" means leave that is compensated at the same hourly rate as the
employee earns from employment and is provided by an employer to an employee for
the purposes described in subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin (l) "Parent" means a biological parent, foster parent, stepparent or adoptive parent,
or legal guardian of an employee or an employee's spouse, or a person who stood in loco
parentis when the employee was a minor child.
new text end

new text begin (m) "Retaliatory personnel action" means the discharge, suspension, or demotion
by an employer of an employee or any other adverse employment action taken by an
employer against an employee in the terms and conditions of employment.
new text end

new text begin (n) "Sexual assault" includes criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, third,
fourth, and fifth degrees as defined in sections 609.342 to 609.3451 and includes a threat
of such acts committed against an individual, regardless of whether these acts or threats
have been reported to law enforcement officers.
new text end

new text begin (o) "Spouse" means a person to whom the employee is legally married under the
laws of Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (p) "Stalking" means acts criminalized under section 609.749 and includes a threat
of such acts committed against an individual, regardless of whether these acts or threats
have been reported to law enforcement officers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Accrual of paid sick leave. new text end

new text begin (a) An employee who works at least 56 hours
in the state has the right to paid sick leave as provided in this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) An employer that employs at least 15 but not more than 50 employees must
provide a minimum of one hour of paid sick leave for every 80 hours worked by an
employee, except that the employer is not required to provide more than 26 hours of paid
sick leave to an employee in a calendar year.
new text end

new text begin (c) An employer that employs more than 50 employees must provide a minimum of
one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked by an employee, except that the
employer is not required to provide more than 52 hours of paid sick leave to an employee
in a calendar year.
new text end

new text begin (d) An employee who is exempt from overtime requirements under United States
Code, title 29, section 213(a)(1) of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, is assumed
to work 40 hours in each work week for purposes of paid sick leave accrual under this
subdivision, unless the employee's normal work week is less than 40 hours, in which case
paid sick leave accrues based upon that normal work week.
new text end

new text begin (e) Paid sick leave must accrue in hour-unit or smaller increments.
new text end

new text begin (f) Paid sick leave must begin to accrue at the commencement of employment.
new text end

new text begin (g) An employee is entitled to use accrued paid sick leave beginning on the 90th
day following commencement of employment. After the 90th day of employment, an
employee may use sick leave as it is accrued.
new text end

new text begin (h) An employee may carry forward unused paid sick leave from one calendar
year to the next.
new text end

new text begin (i) An employer that employs at least 15 but not more than 50 employees may limit
the amount of paid sick leave an employee may use in each calendar year to 26 hours.
new text end

new text begin (j) An employer that employs more than 50 employees may limit the amount of paid
sick leave an employee may use in each calendar year to 52 hours.
new text end

new text begin (k) An employer complies with this section if it has a paid leave policy that makes
available an amount of paid leave that may be used for the same purposes and under the
same conditions as paid sick leave under this section.
new text end

new text begin (l) An employer may adopt or retain leave policies that are more generous to an
employee than the policies required under this section.
new text end

new text begin (m) When an employee separates from employment and is rehired within 12 months
of separation by the same employer, previously accrued paid sick leave that has not been
used must be reinstated. The employee is entitled to use accrued paid sick leave and to
accrue additional sick leave at the recommencement of employment.
new text end

new text begin (n) At its discretion, an employer may loan paid sick leave to an employee in
advance of accrual by the employee.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Use of paid sick leave. new text end

new text begin (a) Subject to subdivision 3, an employer must
allow an employee to use accrued paid sick leave for:
new text end

new text begin (1) an employee's mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition; medical
diagnosis, care, or treatment of a mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition; or
preventive medical care;
new text end

new text begin (2) care of a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or extended family member with a
mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition who needs medical diagnosis, care,
or treatment of a mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition, or who needs
preventive medical care; and
new text end

new text begin (3) any absence necessary due to domestic abuse, provided the leave is to:
new text end

new text begin (i) seek medical attention for the employee or employee's child, spouse, parent,
grandparent, or extended family member to recover from physical or psychological injury
or disability caused by domestic abuse or sexual assault;
new text end

new text begin (ii) obtain services from a victim services organization;
new text end

new text begin (iii) obtain psychological or other counseling;
new text end

new text begin (iv) seek relocation due to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; or
new text end

new text begin (v) take legal action, including preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal
legal proceeding related to or resulting from the domestic abuse or sexual assault.
new text end

new text begin (b) An employer may require reasonable notice of the need for paid sick leave. If
the need for the leave is foreseeable, an employer may require no more than seven days'
advance notice of the intention to take the leave. If the need is not foreseeable, an employer
may require an employee to give notice of the need for leave as soon as practicable.
new text end

new text begin (c) An employer may not require as a condition of providing paid sick leave under
this section that an employee search for or find a replacement worker to cover the hours
during which the employee is on paid sick leave.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Retaliation prohibited. new text end

new text begin An employer shall not take retaliatory personnel
action or discriminate against an employee because the employee has requested paid
sick leave under this section, taken paid sick leave guaranteed by this section, or made a
complaint or filed an action to enforce a right to paid sick leave under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Notice and posting. new text end

new text begin (a) An employer must provide to each employee
notice of the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) an employee's entitlement to and amount of paid sick leave and the terms of its
use guaranteed under this section;
new text end

new text begin (2) that retaliation against an employee who requests or uses paid sick leave is
prohibited; and
new text end

new text begin (3) that each employee has the right to file a complaint or bring a civil action if an
employer denies sick leave as required by this section or retaliates against the employee
for requesting or taking paid sick leave.
new text end

new text begin (b) An employer may comply with this section by supplying each employee with a
notice in English and Spanish that contains the information required in paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin (c) An employer may comply with this section by displaying a poster in a
conspicuous and accessible place in each establishment where an employee is employed
that contains in English and Spanish the information required under paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner shall create and make available to employers for their use
in complying with this subdivision posters that contain the information required under
paragraph (a).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Confidentiality and nondisclosure. new text end

new text begin If an employer possesses health
information or information pertaining to domestic abuse about an employee or employee's
child, parent, spouse, extended family member, or other individual described in subdivision
4, paragraph (a), clause (2), the information shall be treated as confidential and not
disclosed except to the affected employee or with the permission of the affected employee.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Encouragement of more generous leave policies. new text end

new text begin (a) Nothing in this
section shall be construed to discourage or prohibit an employer from the adoption or
retention of a paid leave policy more generous than the one required by this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed as diminishing the obligation of an
employer to comply with any contract, collective bargaining agreement, employment
benefit plan, or other agreement providing more generous leave to an employee than
required by this section.
new text end

new text begin (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as diminishing the rights of public
employees regarding paid sick leave or use of sick leave as provided in section 43A.1815.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Severability. new text end

new text begin If any provision of this section or application thereof to any
person or circumstance is judged invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions
or applications of this section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end the provisions of this section are declared severable.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2013.
new text end

ARTICLE 6

BUSINESS SUBSIDIES DISCLOSURE

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 16C.08, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Reports.

(a) The commissioner shall submit to the governor, the chairs and
ranking minority members of the house of representatives Ways and Means and senate
Finance Committees, and the Legislative Reference Library a yearly listing of all contracts
for professional or technical services executed. The report must identify the contractor,
contract amount, duration, and services to be provided. The commissioner shall also issue
yearly reports summarizing the contract review activities of the department by fiscal year.

(b) The fiscal year report must be submitted by September 1 of each year and must:

(1) be sorted by agency and by contractor;

(2) show the aggregate value of contracts issued by each agency and issued to each
contractor;

(3) distinguish between contracts that are being issued for the first time and contracts
that are being extended;

(4) state the termination date of each contract;

(5) identify services by commodity code, including topics such as contracts for
training, contracts for research and opinions, and contracts for computer systems; and

(6) identify which contracts were awarded without following the solicitation process
in this chapter because it was determined that there was only a single source for the
services.

(c) Within 30 days of final completion of a contract over $25,000 covered by this
subdivision, the head of the agency entering into the contract must submit a report to the
commissioner who must make the report publicly available online and submit a copy to
the Legislative Reference Library. The report must:

(1) summarize the purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary to enter
into a contract;

(2) state the amount spent on the contract;

(3) if the contract was awarded without following the solicitation process in this
chapter because it was determined that there was only a single source for the services,
explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services; deleted text beginand
deleted text end

(4) new text beginspecify the extent to which work under the contract was performed in Minnesota,
was performed in the United States but outside Minnesota, or was performed outside the
United States; and
new text end

new text begin (5) new text endinclude a written performance evaluation of the work done under the contract.
The evaluation must include an appraisal of the contractor's timeliness, quality, cost, and
overall performance in meeting the terms and objectives of the contract. Contractors may
request copies of evaluations prepared under this subdivision and may respond in writing.
Contractor responses must be maintained with the contract file.

Sec. 2.

new text begin [16C.175] RESPONSE TO DISCLOSE WHERE WORK WILL BE
PERFORMED.
new text end

new text begin A response from a vendor in regard to a solicitation for a contract for professional or
technical services or nonprofessional or nontechnical services must disclose the extent to
which the vendor anticipates that work under the contract will be performed in Minnesota,
in the United States but outside Minnesota, or outside the United States.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.994, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 4a. new text end

new text begin Disclosure of where work is to be performed. new text end

new text begin Any application for a
business subsidy must disclose the extent to which the applicant anticipates that jobs
created under the subsidy will be performed in Minnesota, in the United States but outside
Minnesota, or outside the United States.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.994, subdivision 7, is amended to read:


Subd. 7.

Reports by recipients to grantors.

(a) A business subsidy grantor must
monitor the progress by the recipient in achieving agreement goals.

(b) A recipient must provide information regarding goals and results for two years
after the benefit date or until the goals are met, whichever is later. If the goals are not
met, the recipient must continue to provide information on the subsidy until the subsidy
is repaid. The information must be filed on forms developed by the commissioner in
cooperation with representatives of local government. Copies of the completed forms must
be sent to the local government agency that provided the subsidy or to the commissioner if
the grantor is a state agency. If the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board is the
grantor, the copies must be sent to the board. The report must include:

(1) the type, public purpose, and amount of subsidies and type of district, if the
subsidy is tax increment financing;

(2) the hourly wage of each job created with separate bands of wages;

(3) the sum of the hourly wages and cost of health insurance provided by the
employer with separate bands of wages;

(4) the date the job and wage goals will be reached;

(5) a statement of goals identified in the subsidy agreement and an update on
achievement of those goals;

(6) the location of the recipient prior to receiving the business subsidy;

(7) the number of employees who ceased to be employed by the recipient when the
recipient relocated to become eligible for the business subsidy;

(8) why the recipient did not complete the project outlined in the subsidy agreement
at their previous location, if the recipient was previously located at another site in
Minnesota;

(9) the name and address of the parent corporation of the recipient, if any;

(10) a list of all financial assistance by all grantors for the project; deleted text beginand
deleted text end

(11)new text begin the extent to which jobs created by the recipient under the subsidy were
performed in Minnesota, were performed in the United States but outside Minnesota, or
were performed outside the United States; and
new text end

new text begin (12)new text end other information the commissioner may request.

A report must be filed no later than March 1 of each year for the previous year. The local
agency and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board must forward copies of
the reports received by recipients to the commissioner by April 1.

(c) Financial assistance that is excluded from the definition of "business subsidy" by
section 116J.993, subdivision 3, clauses (4), (5), (8), and (16), is subject to the reporting
requirements of this subdivision, except that the report of the recipient must include
instead:

(1) the type, public purpose, and amount of the financial assistance, and type of
district if the assistance is tax increment financing;

(2) progress towards meeting goals stated in the assistance agreement and the public
purpose of the assistance;

(3) if the agreement includes job creation, the hourly wage of each job created with
separate bands of wages;

(4) if the agreement includes job creation, the sum of the hourly wages and cost of
health insurance provided by the employer with separate bands of wages;

(5) the location of the recipient prior to receiving the assistance; and

(6) other information the grantor requests.

(d) If the recipient does not submit its report, the local government agency must mail
the recipient a warning within one week of the required filing date. If, after 14 days of the
postmarked date of the warning, the recipient fails to provide a report, the recipient must
pay to the grantor a penalty of $100 for each subsequent day until the report is filed. The
maximum penalty shall not exceed $1,000.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116J.994, subdivision 8, is amended to read:


Subd. 8.

Reports by grantors.

(a) Local government agencies of a local
government with a population of more than 2,500 and state government agencies,
regardless of whether or not they have awarded any business subsidies, must file a report
by April 1 of each year with the commissioner. Local government agencies of a local
government with a population of 2,500 or less are exempt from filing this report if they
have not awarded a business subsidy in the past five years. The report must include a list
of recipients that did not complete the recipient report required under subdivision 7 and a
list of recipients that have not met their job and wage goals within two years and the steps
being taken to bring them into compliance or to recoup the subsidy.

If the commissioner has not received the report by April 1 from an entity required
to report, the commissioner shall issue a warning to the government agency. If the
commissioner has still not received the report by June 1 of that same year from an entity
required to report, then that government agency may not award any business subsidies
until the report has been filed.

(b) The report required under paragraph (a) is also required for financial assistance
of $25,000 and greater that is excluded from the definition of "business subsidy" by
section 116J.993, subdivision 3, clause (1), and of $75,000 and greater that is excluded
from the definition of "business subsidy" by section 116J.993, subdivision 3, clause (21).
The report for the financial assistance under this paragraph must be completed within one
year of the granting of the financial assistance. The report required for financial assistance
under this paragraph must include:

(1) the name of the recipient, its organizational structure, its address and contact
information, and its industry sector;

(2) a description of the amount and use of the financial assistance and the total
project budget, including a list of all financial assistance by all grantors for the project and
the private sources of financial assistance;

(3) the public purpose of the financial assistance, the job goals associated with both
the financial assistance and the total project in which the financial assistance is included,
the hourly wage of each job created, deleted text beginanddeleted text end the cost of health insurance provided by the
employernew text begin, and the extent to which jobs were created in Minnesota, in the United States but
outside Minnesota, or outside the United States
new text end;

(4) the date the project will be completed;

(5) the name and address of the parent corporation of the recipient, if any; and

(6) any other information the commissioner may request.

(c) Within one year of completing a report under paragraph (b), the local government
agency must report to the commissioner on progress in achieving the purposes and goals
under paragraph (b), clause (3).

(d) The commissioner of employment and economic development must provide
information on reporting requirements to state and local government agencies.

Sec. 6. new text beginEFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin This article is effective July 1, 2013.
new text end

ARTICLE 7

WORKPLACE COMMUNICATIONS

Section 1.

new text begin [181.987] WORKPLACE COMMUNICATIONS.
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 them in this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Communication" means any printed or electronic document, letter, brochure,
flyer, advertisement, e-mail, text message, or similar means pertaining to union business
or labor organizing as provided under state or federal law.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Employee" means a person who performs services for hire in Minnesota for an
employer, but does not include independent contractors.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Employee organization" and "labor organization" have the meanings given them
in sections 179.01, subdivision 6, and 179A.03, subdivision 6.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Employer" means any person, business entity, or nonprofit organization having
one or more employees in Minnesota, and includes the state and any political subdivisions
of the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Prohibited practice. new text end

new text begin An employer may not refuse to hire a job applicant
or discipline or discharge an employee because the applicant or employee has received
or responded to a communication from an employee organization or labor organization.
Nor shall an employer prohibit an employee from receiving communications from an
employee organization at the employee's work location, work mailbox, in an employee
break room or meal area, or on the employee's work computer. Reasonable rules
concerning the quantity of the communications, political or other inappropriate content of
the communications, attachments to electronic communications, and appropriate nonwork
times for review of these types of communications are permitted. An employer may
discipline or discharge an employee for violations of these rules in accordance with the
employer's personnel policies or union contract.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Remedy. new text end

new text begin The remedy for a violation of this section is through any
applicable grievance procedure. Damages are limited to wages and benefits lost by the
individual because of the violation.
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 8

MINIMUM WAGE

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 177.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Amount.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, the terms defined in
this paragraph have the meanings given them.

(1) "Large employer" means an enterprise whose annual gross volume of sales made
or business done is not less than deleted text begin$625,000deleted text endnew text begin $750,000, adjusted annually for inflation,new text end
(exclusive of excise taxes at the retail level that are separately stated) and covered by the
Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, sections 177.21 to 177.35.

(2) "Small employer" means an enterprise whose annual gross volume of sales
made or business done is less than deleted text begin$625,000deleted text endnew text begin $750,000, adjusted annually for inflation,new text end
(exclusive of excise taxes at the retail level that are separately stated) and covered by the
Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, sections 177.21 to 177.35.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in sections 177.21 to 177.35, new text beginbeginning January
1, 2013,
new text endevery large employer must pay each employee wages at deleted text begina rate of at least $5.15
an hour beginning September 1, 1997, and at a
deleted text endnew text begin an hourlynew text end rate deleted text beginofdeleted text end at least deleted text begin$6.15 an hour
beginning August 1, 2005
deleted text endnew text begin equal to the quotient of the amount equal to 35 percent of the
median household income for Minnesota as calculated annually by the United States
Census Bureau divided by 2,080, and at an hourly rate at least equal to the quotient of the
amount equal to 50 percent of the median household income for Minnesota as calculated
annually by the United States Census Bureau divided by 2,080 beginning January 1,
2014
new text end. new text beginBeginning January 1, 2013, new text endevery small employer must pay each employee deleted text beginat adeleted text endnew text begin
an hourly
new text end rate deleted text beginofdeleted text end at least deleted text begin$4.90 an hour beginning January 1, 1998, and at a rate of at
least $5.25 an hour beginning August 1, 2005
deleted text endnew text begin equal to 80 percent of the rate calculated
for large employers
new text end.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), during the first 90 consecutive days of
employment, an employer may pay an employee under the age of 20 years a wage of $4.90
an hour. No employer may take any action to displace any employee, including a partial
displacement through a reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits, in order to
hire an employee at the wage authorized in this paragraph.

new text begin (d) For the purposes of this subdivision, "adjusted annually for inflation" means
that for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2014, the commissioner shall adjust the
amounts of annual gross volume of sales made or business done under paragraph (a),
clauses (1) and (2), by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index-All Urban
Consumers as prepared by the United States Bureau of Labor Standards from the 12
months ending December 31, 2011, to the 12 months ending December 31, 2012, and in
each subsequent year, from the 12 months ending on December 31, 2011, to the 12 months
ending on December 31 of the year preceding the calendar year. No later than February 1
of each year, the commissioner shall announce the specific percentage that will be used to
adjust the amounts of gross volume of sales or business done.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2013.
new text end