SF2149 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Labor and industry technical provisions modifications; earned sick and safe time provisions modifications
Related bill: HF1671
AI Generated Summary
This bill proposes various policy and technical changes related to labor and industry in Minnesota. The key provisions of the bill include:
Ending Subminimum Wages for Workers with Disabilities:
- Effective August 1, 2026, employers will be prohibited from hiring any new employees with disabilities at a wage below the highest applicable minimum wage, even if they have a special certificate under Section 14c of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
- By August 1, 2028, all employees with disabilities must be paid at least the highest applicable minimum wage, eliminating subminimum wages entirely.
Enforcement of Wage and Labor Standards:
- The Commissioner of Labor and Industry is granted authority to bring civil actions in district court to enforce compliance with labor laws and prevent violations.
Changes to Internet Continuing Education Requirements:
- Updates the approval process for Internet-based continuing education courses, requiring specific standards for course design, security, accessibility, and student authentication.
Electrical and Technology Systems Regulations:
- Modifies definitions and licensing exemptions for certain electrical and technology system work.
- Expands exemptions from licensing for maintenance electricians, HVAC contractors, and certain utility workers.
- Clarifies exemptions from electrical inspections for specific categories, such as utility-owned equipment and certain communication systems.
Repeal of Subminimum Wage Rules:
- Repeals Minnesota Statutes 177.28, subdivision 5, and Minnesota Rules 5200.0030 and 5200.0040, which previously allowed for employment of workers with disabilities at subminimum wage rates under special permits.
This legislation aligns with broader efforts to promote wage equality and protect workers with disabilities while updating labor and industry regulations to ensure compliance with modern standards.
Past committee meetings
- Human Services on: March 17, 2025 15:00
- Human Services on: March 17, 2025 15:00
- Labor on: March 11, 2025 12:30
- Labor on: April 10, 2025 12:30
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 03, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 03, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Labor |
| March 13, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Comm report: No recommendation, re-referred to | Human Services |
| March 20, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Comm report: Amended, No recommendation, re-referred to | Labor |
| April 10, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Comm report: To pass as amended | |
| April 10, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4, referred to | Rules and Administration |
| Senate | Note | Action | Joint rule 3.02, returned to | Labor | |
| Senate | Note | Action | See |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarification on district where civil action can be brought."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies civil actions related to labor enforcement under section 177.27, subdivision 5.",
"modified": [
"Expanded powers of the commissioner in enforcement actions."
]
},
"citation": "177.27",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This section redefines 'Employer' within the context of employee rights and benefits under section 181.9445, subdivision 6.",
"modified": [
"Changes in qualifying criteria for employers based on employee numbers."
]
},
"citation": "181.9445",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Amends the notice requirement for use of earned sick and safe time under section 181.9447, subdivision 2.",
"modified": [
"Clarified advance and unforeseeable notice requirements for employees."
]
},
"citation": "181.9447",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specification of acceptable forms of documentation in various scenarios."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Makes changes to documentation procedures for sick and safe time under section 181.9447, subdivision 3.",
"modified": [
"Reduced number of consecutive days for requiring documentation from three to two."
]
},
"citation": "181.9447",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Addresses the employer's requirements for replacement workers under section 181.9447, subdivision 4.",
"modified": [
"Precludes employers from requiring employees to find replacements when sick or safe time is used."
]
},
"citation": "181.9447",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Amends provisions related to Internet continuing education courses under section 326B.0981, subdivision 4.",
"modified": [
"Clarified courses exempt from certain distance education requirements."
]
},
"citation": "326B.0981",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Redefines technology circuits or systems under section 326B.31, subdivision 29.",
"modified": [
"Clarification of systems exempt from specific licensing requirements."
]
},
"citation": "326B.31",
"subdivision": "subdivision 29"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Exempts certain individuals from electrician licensing requirements under section 326B.33, subdivision 21.",
"modified": [
"Adjusted supervision requirements and clarified exempt job roles."
]
},
"citation": "326B.33",
"subdivision": "subdivision 21"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Details exemptions from inspections under section 326B.36, subdivision 7.",
"modified": [
"Expanded on exemptions related to utility companies and escalator work."
]
},
"citation": "326B.36",
"subdivision": "subdivision 7"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee