HF3228

HF3228 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Workers' Compensation Advisory Council recommendations adopted.

Related bill: SF3407

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal of this bill is to update the Minnesota workers' compensation laws based on the recommendations provided by the Workers Compensation Advisory Council. These updates focus on clarifying and redefining who qualifies as an "employee" under the existing Minnesota workers' compensation statutes.

Main Provisions

Expanded Definition of Employee: The bill amends the definition of "employee" to include specific categories of workers, such as:
- Police officers, firefighters, and other law enforcement officers when performing their duties.
- Various voluntary uncompensated workers, like those engaged in emergency management, volunteering at state institutions, or participating in community service projects.
- Faculty members and students of the University of Minnesota under certain conditions.
- Volunteers in the building and construction industry and workers in direct support services funded by government programs.
Clarification on Compensation Calculations: The bill provides detailed instructions on how to calculate the daily wage for voluntary workers to determine their compensation in the event of injury or death. The wage is often comparable to what is typically paid to regular employees performing similar services.
Exclusions: The bill explicitly excludes certain groups from being considered employees for the purposes of workers' compensation. This includes farmers and their family members who exchange labor with other farmers within the same community.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill repeals Minnesota Rules part 5220.2840, though the specific text and implications of this repeal are not detailed within the provided excerpt.
It modifies several subdivisions within existing statutes to align with the newly expanded definitions and compensation arrangements.

Relevant Terms

workers' compensation, employee definition, voluntary worker, daily wage, compensation calculation, University of Minnesota, law enforcement, volunteer services, direct support services, community service, emergency management, repealer.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Upcoming committee meetings

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy on: May 06, 2025 08:15
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy on: May 06, 2025 08:15

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
April 22, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
April 22, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
April 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added
April 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the definition of 'employee' in the context of workers compensation under section 176.011, subdivision 9.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands the definition to include various voluntary and uncompensated workers under specific conditions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "176.011",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 9"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies provisions related to exclusions from workers compensation coverage under section 176.041.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the exclusion criteria for certain executive officers and others."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "176.041",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the provision related to medical services under workers compensation in section 176.135, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Details on the provision of medical services and supplies as covered benefits are modified."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "176.135",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is amended in regard to statute of limitations on workers compensation claims.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to the time limits within which claims can be brought or actions taken."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "176.151",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section deals with the reporting obligations of employers under workers compensation law.",
      "modified": [
        "Amendments to employer responsibilities and timing of claims reporting."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "176.175",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section sets forth procedural elements in workers compensation proceedings.",
      "modified": [
        "Procedural amendments concerning submissions in workers compensation hearings."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "176.361",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section addresses appeals in workers compensation cases.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated procedural rules for the appeal process in workers compensation decisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "176.421",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  }
]