This bill establishes a biennial budget for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals, and the Bureau of Mediation Services for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It includes various policy changes, reporting requirements, and appropriations for different labor-related initiatives.

Key Provisions:

1. Budget Allocations:

   • Department of Labor and Industry: Funding from multiple sources, including the general fund, workers’ compensation fund, workforce development fund, and family and medical benefit insurance account.
   • Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals: Funded through the workers’ compensation fund.
   • Bureau of Mediation Services: Includes funding for the Public Employment Relations Board.

2. Significant Appropriations:

   • Labor Standards & Workplace Safety: Includes funding for wage theft prevention, prevailing wage enforcement, outreach, and enforcement related to nursing mothers’ rights, pregnancy accommodations, meat and poultry worker protections, and earned sick and safe time.
   • Worker Compensation & Safety: Budgeted from the workers' compensation fund.
   • Employment-Based Initiatives: Funding for dual training pipeline programs, youth skills training grants, and competency standards for the legal cannabis industry.
   • Apprenticeship Programs: Significant funding for labor education, veteran workforce initiatives, and a newly established statewide registered teacher apprenticeship program.
   • Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board: Funding for establishing workforce standards in the nursing home sector.

3. Amendments to Minnesota Statutes:

   • Updates various sections to include new subdivisions related to labor regulations, workforce safety, workers' compensation, and employment-based initiatives.

4. One-Time Appropriations:

   • Single-Egress Stairway Apartment Building Report: Provides one-time funding for a study on single-egress stairway apartment buildings.

This bill ensures continued funding for labor-related agencies and enhances worker protections, training programs, and industry regulations in Minnesota.