Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to amend the current Minnesota statutes regarding the definition of a "public employee" within the state's labor laws to exclude full-time graduate students from being classified as public employees.

Main Provisions

• The bill specifically targets the modification of Minnesota Statutes section 179A.03, subdivision 14, which defines who is considered a public employee.
• It introduces clear exceptions where full-time graduate students are not considered public employees, especially in the context of labor law as defined by the state.
• Full-time graduate students who are employed by the educational institution they attend, excluding the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents, are exempt if they are working under a work-study program or as part of financial aid.

Significant Changes

• Prior to this bill, certain students employed by their schools might have been classified as public employees under specific conditions. The amendment sets a clear exemption for full-time graduate students in work-study or financial aid positions.
• The change aims to clarify labor laws by ensuring full-time graduate students do not fall under the same labor classifications as other public employees, potentially affecting collective bargaining rights and labor union membership.

Relevant Terms

graduate students, public employee, labor law, work-study, financial aid, Minnesota statutes, employment classification, Board of Regents, University of Minnesota, labor union.