Legislature is Off and Running

by Bill Strusinski

Family and Medical Benefits and Leave (PTO) SF 2558 is being fast tracked for passage in the Senate and House Republicans are feeling the pressure to pass something. It has support from a variety of employee groups/ unions and is opposed by all of the business groups including the MN Chamber, the Business Partnership, Employment Agencies and others. A new tax is paid by employers and employees for four types of benefits: pregnancy, bonding, family care and serious health condition. It funds an insurance benefit similar to the unemployment insurance program. Employees would earn PTO at the rate of one hour per thirty hours worked. Employees file claims and employers are required to grant leave for 12 weeks medical and 12 weeks for pregnancy and bonding. 

Retainage bills HF 2451 and HF 3079 have been introduced but have not been scheduled for a hearing. MEA, NECA and the subcontractors association are working together to move these bills forward.

Energy and CIP SF2833/HF2486 is a utility bill that could have the impact of reducing available funds for energy conservation programs. MEA played a key role in talking the chief author out of offering a hostile amendment that would have clearly limited grant funds for customers of electrical contractors. 

A Solar Panel and Fire Code bill has been introduced that would move the effective date from 2017 to 2016. The code requires the installation of a new safety device. We are watching such bills for other hostile amendments dealing with special licensing for solar installers.

Construction Code Transfer Bill HF 2839 was introduced this week and would transfer the functions of the construction code division from DOLI to the Dept of Public Safety. It is unlikely that it will happen.

Workers Comp Reform bills attempting to reduce workers compensation rates have been introduced. There is strong bi-partisan support for this initiative so it is moving along nicely.

Unemployment Comp Tax Reduction legislation has been amended onto the unemployment compensation extension bill for unemployed mine workers. There is much political angst by the two parties over tying these issues together. Look for passage this week.

Prenatal Care SF 3054 would require employers to provide 40 hours of prenatal medical care to employees.

That is all for now!!