This Minnesota House bill (H.F. No. 2174), authored by Representative Harder, proposes a reduction in appropriations for state government positions that remain unfilled for at least 180 days after being posted. The bill applies to positions posted during fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025 and mandates that salary and benefits savings from such unfilled positions lead to reductions in agency budgets for the biennium ending June 30, 2025. These reductions must also be reflected in agency base budgets for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Key Provisions:

1. Budget Reductions: Agencies will have their general and nongeneral fund appropriations reduced by the amount of salary and benefits savings from prolonged vacant positions.
2. Exemptions: The bill does not apply to:
   • Law enforcement training positions.
   • Public safety positions.
3. Reporting Requirement: The Commissioner of Management and Budget must submit a report to legislative finance committee leaders detailing the reductions in spending by each agency.

This bill aims to ensure that appropriations are efficiently used and to prevent prolonged budget allocations for unfilled state government positions.