Bill to require employers to permit workers to sit when reasonably possible is laid over after testimony
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Summary
Representative Jones's bill (HF 3796) would give employees a reasonable expectation to sit where the nature of the work permits. Testimony split between museum workers and unions who supported the bill and business groups and DLI staff who raised vagueness and enforcement concerns; the committee laid the amended bill over for further work.
Representative Jones introduced House File 3796 and the committee adopted a DE2 amendment that tightened language in consultation with the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Jones said the bill responds to constituents—museum gallery assistants and similar roles—who spend long periods standing and sometimes face restrictions on stools or seating.
Testimony was sharply divided. Michelle Mazer, former president of the Walker Worker Union, described a campaign at the Walker Arts Center after staff were told they needed doctor's notes to use stools; the union gathered more than 600 signatures and artist support and argued seating is linked to health outcomes. Bernie Hess of the United Food and Commercial Workers emphasized ergonomic gains and cited grocery clerks as an example of sitting improving efficiency and reducing injuries.
Business groups, including Lauren Schadhorst of the Minnesota Chamber and John Beshey of NFIB, warned the bill's phrases—"reasonably permits," "adequate number of seats," and per‑violation penalties—are vague, could create safety hazards or obstruct workflows in tight spaces, and could expose small employers to litigation or compliance costs. DLI staff described an inform‑and‑educate enforcement approach, with investigations and possible orders and penalties only if informal resolution fails; they could not quantify expected complaint volumes.
Representative Jones said the bill intends to allow DLI discretion to apply appropriate standards across sectors. The committee laid HF 3796 over as amended for further discussion and drafting.