[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6641339,"mediaKeyId","2543296-d9394dad6b608741ea2e6bec7c05e9a3","parentId",2543296,"title","Committee advances bill to restore limited noncompete agreements for some R&D and highly paid employees","audioSeconds",46,"startMs",3096000,"endMs",3050000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2543296-d9394dad6b608741ea2e6bec7c05e9a3&start=3096&end=3050","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2543296-d9394dad6b608741ea2e6bec7c05e9a3/thumbnail_3096000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6641339/Minnesota/Committee-advances-bill-to-restore-limited-noncompete-agreements-for-some-RD-and-highly-paid-employees","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641339-62deaec800a21b9a6d409ecf10a8b46e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169104&Signature=fXincoB1QEQPUwDphRifXmcuNzFAqFKm5EQL62t3Q2YEJAJ54ZAvCB50s3At287ErAuMR1V9wU~uFZ5YjZz7ReE2AjhV1DRoo2YvSh16tZuVUJV293Xc1jaG~CzcqIbVvejvHKj4hDsYaCGfHXd2RVj~U~TR7acFvupMNTpgSFFcTUbj~wxOifCJ~~l7nuFvTr~qO39s9gBSOszvG7xtztLR3Jy9vSaaMfPSHyT825r~pu8qx-PTjnhcRWkeiPkdAshSIlLKfgnXyplUjNb7Orfd5z6YtKpibtgu5Ma3lAdfRoH3VtMTcHoeTR-9XezosR8sKMshIIOgIrcC3yCMGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Legislature","date","2025-03-11T18:01:42.37Z","article","The Minnesota House Workforce, Labor and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee voted 7‑6 to re‑refer House File 1768 to the general register after two hours of testimony and debate on a proposal to narrow the state’s 2023 ban on noncompete agreements.

Proponents, led by the bill’s author Representative Nieska, said the bill restores a narrowly tailored ability for employers and some employees to negotiate noncompete provisions for positions that involve research and development or the creation, analysis or modification of confidential, proprietary or trade‑secret information. “Companies that want to do research and development and innovation in Minnesota need to have the tools to protect their trade secrets,” Representative Nieska told the committee during her presentation (transcript). The measure would allow such agreements for employees whose annual budgeted compensation meets an income threshold specified in the bill; it also creates a separate carve‑out for employees with compensation above $500,000.

The bill drew sharply divided testimony. Business groups — including Lauren Shothorst for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Kurt Zellers for the Minnesota Business Partnership — said a blanket prohibition made Minnesota less competitive for R&D employers and that carefully limited noncompetes remain a reasonable tool to protect trade secrets. “Wage thresholds can protect lower‑wage employees and support worker mobility while applying targeted noncompete provisions to highly compensated employees in roles directly involved in research, development and trade secret management protects vital business interests,” Shothorst said.

Opponents included researchers and antitrust experts who said empirical work shows noncompetes suppress wages, reduce new business formation and harm competition. Hannah Garten Monheit of the American Economic Liberties Project and Bridal Collacci of the Open Markets Institute urged the committee to keep the 2023 ban intact, arguing trade‑secret law, nondisclosure agreements and non‑solicitation covenants are better tools for employers. “Noncompetes prevent free and fair competition,” Garten Monheit said, citing Federal Trade Commission work and public comments collected during the FTC review.

Health care witnesses also urged caution. Dr. Shanna Neil, a family physician representing the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians and the Minnesota Medical Association, said the bill as drafted could apply to health‑care practitioners who earn over the bill’s compensation threshold and could reduce access to care in rural and underserved communities by limiting physician mobility.

Throughout member questions, committee members pressed staff and the bill’s author on several drafting points the committee had not yet resolved. Nonpartisan staff confirmed the bill contains no definitions for “annual budgeted compensation,” for the statutory terms “proprietary,” “confidential” or “research and development,” and recommended those terms be clarified. Representative Pete Johnson asked whether fringe benefits such as employer‑paid health insurance would count toward the compensation threshold; staff said the bill does not define the term and that clarification would be needed. Representative Greenman and others pressed why trade‑secret law was insufficient; Representative Nieska and other supporters said trade‑secret cases can be difficult to prove and that a noncompete is intended as an additional, narrowly targeted tool for particular functions where confidential know‑how resides in a worker’s experience.

The committee voted by roll call to re‑refer the bill to the general register. Chair Baker cast the chair’s aye vote. Roll‑call votes recorded in the transcript: Chair Baker — aye; Mackland — aye; Bakeburg — aye; Wayne Johnson — aye; Mueller — aye; Schultz — aye; Zales Makar — aye; Berg — no; Fraser — no; Greenman — no; Hussain — no; Pete Johnson — no; Koslowski — no. The committee chair announced the tally as 7 ayes, 6 nays, and the bill was re‑referred to the general register.

Next steps: Committee members suggested the author and interested members continue negotiating definitions and scope to narrow the bill’s reach, especially to avoid unintentionally capturing typical health‑care or lower‑wage roles. Representative Nieska said she is open to working with colleagues on thresholds and definitions prior to further consideration.

Votes and formal action recorded
Motion: Chair moved to re‑refer House File 1768 to the general register. Outcome: approved by roll call, 7 ayes, 6 nays. (Roll call names recorded in transcript.)","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Minnesota House Workforce, Labor and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee voted 7‑6 to re‑refer House File 1768 to the general register after two hours of testimony and debate on a proposal to narrow the state’s 2023 ban on noncompete agreements.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6641332,"Committee hears proposal to expand Better Futures program; bill laid over for possible inclusion",433,5910000,6343000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2543296-d9394dad6b608741ea2e6bec7c05e9a3&start=5910&end=6343","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2543296-d9394dad6b608741ea2e6bec7c05e9a3/thumbnail_5910000.jpg","/articles/6641332/Minnesota/Committee-hears-proposal-to-expand-Better-Futures-program-bill-laid-over-for-possible-inclusion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641332-de06e7b220e1543196503ad834c49e32/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169104&Signature=HXR8cLtGjPF38PLXiVpAAbxB-eBDH08panRfBrNqwJi~G0FaNVJ8LBwAx~2a20BnqYXoEolEREEYiGTOFuioPCQBbExrEAi0kVUP4KgjkMPAMyr4PYaG~ApCAL7Gwk6UgdiraF3wJ82-1Oy6WHGbQAF0wPctCB2yJKBMiIyRK4PXNe6XH1WAMvKL0DyGasWlcHUoBsMNfmwxZnp6m7CYWZ9CEbpwRGa3FGkJ5Uv9paOIy6D-T63yYkAI~IMoIK~E9E1cv20~YXJ~Wc6ZoRyLBSJDQRG7ZOy7wBlWzHFwCRSJNrT6A4yOq4R5~zlFEKapOalJil2JqFTj7TUmHi0Hmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Spencer Murrah presented House File 1469, a measure to support Better Futures Minnesota’s green‑jobs and re‑entry employment program, to the Workforce, Labor and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee. After brief testimony from program staff and a participant, the committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in future legislation.

Murrah said Better Futures, based in South Minneapolis, provides on‑the‑job training and employment for people reentering the workforce after incarceration and operates recycling and appliance‑processing businesses that aim to divert waste from landfills. Jason (last name not provided in the hearing) and other program staff told the committee Better Futures provides more than 2,000 hours of on‑the‑job training across multiple business lines and works with participants who, on average, have multiple felony convictions and extended incarceration histories.

Tino Jones, a program graduate who rose from participant to integrated care team manager, described his experience and said he has not returned to prison in seven years. Supporters said the program addresses both workforce and waste‑management problems and recommended continued state support. Representative Murrah said he will pursue inclusion of the program in omnibus negotiations and thanked members who visited the program’s facility.

Action recorded: House File 1469 was laid over for possible inclusion; no committee vote was recorded on final passage.

Votes and formal action recorded
Motion: Lay over House File 1469 for possible inclusion — approved (laid over).","Representative Spencer Murrah presented House File 1469 to support Better Futures Minnesota, a program that provides green‑jobs training and employment for people with incarceration histories. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion after brief testimony from program staff and participants.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6641336,"Committee sends scuba weed‑removal safety bill to Environment Committee after families recount two recent fatalities",2762,3154000,5916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2543296-d9394dad6b608741ea2e6bec7c05e9a3&start=3154&end=5916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2543296-d9394dad6b608741ea2e6bec7c05e9a3/thumbnail_3154000.jpg","/articles/6641336/Minnesota/Committee-sends-scuba-weedremoval-safety-bill-to-Environment-Committee-after-families-recount-two-recent-fatalities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641336-cb503de2b4c5c11091eb4f0aa6c97830/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169104&Signature=QNm6PV8uoItdauAZwmKqpSTaMNgmId5ZY75NCnX3EQ65ISHKQzwasMpjyiHtiaBMHc9KCSiXhG3T4YalNtPNnbFEyEamvH~xVIHHgNiQLWW467U0gEzuetd71esQiKBW1141sJPOYSJV3QP6XJZrpTSeCrCNk9BpEC~mnflHDXhRwX4lJyRwI5F1XN5Dq7eifHA2aVE5XeaNKAhX0DyUH8D4uk-klSZFIPp9-ucz3TTlw3rDq~tJsHdqqvgG1wQlGAdV05h1V0JHsG-K5WDYrmGL85fec5vXngEjY8hZ5C2Q5IND1oWxEUINl-egnO2IDyWn7k0rddNENuEpDavA8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Minnesota House Workforce, Labor and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee voted to re‑refer House File 1355 to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee after emotional testimony from the families of two men who died while working as scuba weed removal divers and testimony from scuba‑training and industry experts.

Representative Baker introduced the bill and moved an author’s amendment (the “A2” amendment) that the sponsor described as naming the measure for the families involved; the chair called the amendment the “Brady Ahn(e) and Joseph Anderson Safety Act” in the hearing record. The committee approved the amendment by voice vote and then voted to send the bill to the Environment Committee.

Family members described the circumstances of two recent deaths. David and Laurie Anderson testified about their son Joseph Anderson, who drowned on his third day on the job after receiving under 15 minutes of on‑site instruction and working near a steep underwater drop‑off. William and Dina Ahne (sometimes transcribed as Aune) described the June death of their son Brady Ahne while working for another commercial weed‑removal company; their testimony and investigative summaries cited inadequate training, lack of required safety gear and the absence of on‑site CPR‑certified supervisors.

Witnesses and scuba professionals who testified supported minimum training and equipment standards. Dan Gruber, a scuba instructor and instructor‑trainer, explained that standard recreational certification includes 7–9 hours of online or classroom training, 4–5 hours of pool training and 4–6 hours of open‑water instruction with an instructor before a diver operates independently. He and other witnesses said training teaches responses to common underwater emergencies and that certified rescue divers are typically CPR‑certified. Several speakers urged requiring buoyancy control devices (BCDs) with an emergency ascent handle, daily equipment maintenance and a buddy‑or‑supervisor watch for murky inland waters.

Industry operators who spoke said many established companies already require certification and safety equipment; small operators may not. Tom Seworth, founder of Waterfront Restoration, said his company requires training and has operated for 22 years without a serious incident, and he supported the bill as a way to hold all operators to baseline standards. Family members and public safety witnesses underscored urgency: two deaths in under two years and companies continuing to schedule work for the coming spring, they said, make prompt legislative action important.

Committee discussion highlighted specific policy elements under consideration: mandatory scuba certification (detailed in testimony as classroom/online, pool, and supervised open‑water segments), mandatory BCDs and other standard scuba equipment, on‑site CPR‑certified supervisors, and equipment maintenance and cleaning to address mud and silt. Representative Greenman suggested including a requirement for at least one CPR‑certified person on site; he and others urged an effective date that would allow the bill to take effect immediately upon enactment to address the upcoming season. Minnesota State OSHA staff were reported to have participated in prior drafting and to support the legislation.

Action recorded: Chair Baker moved to refer House File 1355 as amended to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee; the motion prevailed on a voice vote. The bill will be presented to that committee for further drafting and possible inclusion in an omnibus package. The sponsor said work will continue in a bipartisan manner to refine technical requirements prior to further committee review.

Votes and formal action recorded
Motion: Adopt A2 author’s amendment (naming the bill for the families) — approved by voice vote. Motion: Move House File 1355 to Environment and Natural Resources Committee (as amended) — approved by voice vote.","House File 1355, carrying an author amendment naming the measure for the two deceased workers, was amended and referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Testimony described gaps in training and safety equipment for commercial lake weed removal using scuba gear and urged rapid action before the spring season.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances bill to restore limited noncompete agreements for some R&D and highly paid employees

Committee hears proposal to expand Better Futures program; bill laid over for possible inclusion

Committee sends scuba weed‑removal safety bill to Environment Committee after families recount two recent fatalities