House passes jobs, labor and economic development budget (Senate File 17) after debate on paid leave, childcare and small-business mandates

The Minnesota House passed Senate File 17, a biennial jobs, labor and economic development budget bill, by a roll-call vote of 96–37 on a motion to suspend the rules and place the bill on its final passage.

The bill “funds the Department of Employment and Economic Development, Department of Labor and Industry, Explore Minnesota, the Film Board [and] Bureau of Mediation Services,” Representative Dave Pinto said while explaining the measure on the House floor. Pinto added the bill contains provisions intended to strengthen protections for workers and employers and to fund workforce programs, apprenticeships and other initiatives.

Why it matters: The bill packages funding and policy changes that affect state workforce programs, employer mandates and early-childhood care providers across Minnesota. Lawmakers debated how new mandates interact with existing collective-bargaining agreements, how paid family and medical leave will be implemented, and whether small businesses should receive exemptions from earned sick and safe time requirements.

Discussion highlights

Representative Niska opened the procedural motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 17 could receive its third reading and final passage. Representative Schultz offered an amendment (A1) intended to provide mandate relief for small businesses — including exempting businesses with four or fewer employees (and farms with five or fewer) from earned sick and safe time and clarifying interaction…