Panel approves sending employer posting requirement to Labor without recommendation amid concerns over clarity

Senator Westlund presented Senate File 3607, which would require employers and schools to post notice of individual rights under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Commissioner Lucero said the Department will produce the materials in five languages and make them available digitally; she added there would be no penalty for failing to post.

Members raised questions about who must post the materials, what the content would be, whether religious employers with statutory exemptions are affected, and the meaning of language in the bill that "encourages" businesses to provide additional plain-language information using adult-learning principles. Commissioner Lucero said the Department will produce a poster and supporting materials meant to be easy to post alongside other required notices and that the intent is to proactively inform employees rather than to create a new penalty.

Senator Westrom and others said they wanted to see the proposed amendment language that the Department plans to take to the Labor Committee; concerns that the committee should review that amendment led Senator Westrom to move that the bill be sent to Labor without recommendation. The motion carried and the bill was referred to the Senate Labor Committee.

Members indicated the bill could return to Judiciary after Labor and Education policy review, and some senators said they expect additional drafting before floor consideration.