Senate committee advances bill to bar employer reprisals for refusing to lobby

Senator Westland, sponsor of Senate File 18-54, told the Senate Elections Committee on March 4 that the bill would bar employers, individuals or associations from imposing reprisals on an employee or contractor for refusing to communicate with a public or local official regarding legislative or official action. The committee recommended the bill be passed and referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

The bill’s sponsor said the measure is bipartisan and seeks to update Minnesota law to protect workers from being required to participate in lobbying activities as a condition of employment. "The choice of somebody to contact their elected officials regarding an issue really should be personal for them. It should be voluntary and not a condition of employment," Senator Westland said. He described the proposal as "fairly straightforward" and said it would cover employees and contractors who are asked to use company resources, including apps, to contact officials.

In floor discussion, Westland cited surveys and examples to explain the need for the bill. He said surveys indicate about 20% of employees have reported being pressured to send messages to legislators. He also referenced past incidents at large employers and said advances in technology make it easier for companies to urge or require employees to take part in lobbying-like activities. Westland said the bill would prohibit terminating employment based on refusal to communicate with public officials and that the decision to contact officials should be voluntary.

Committee members asked whether the bill would apply to public-sector positions and to workers represented by unions. Senator Westland answered that the bill contains no carve-outs and applies across the board, including public union jobs and state jobs. Senator Limmer asked about whether the bill would allow a person hired specifically as a corporate lobbyist to refuse to lobby and still be protected; Westland pointed to subdivision b of the bill, saying that section "states specifically the section does not apply to compensation for employment, if it is a bona fide occupational qualification." Senator Marty spoke in favor of the bill, describing workplace pressure to lobby as a long-standing issue.

Senator Westland moved that Senate File 18-54 be recommended to pass and referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. The motion was approved by voice vote; the transcript records the chair saying, "All in favor say aye. All opposed. Nate. The motion passes." The meeting record does not include a roll-call tally.

The committee’s action forwards the bill to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee for further consideration.