SF 1854 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Reprisals prohibition for refusing to communicate with public or local officials, political activity prohibited reprisals clarification provision, and civil cause of action provision

This bill prohibits employers or associations from retaliating against employees or members by threatening job loss, wage cuts, or other economic penalties because they refused to discuss government actions with officials. It directly affects workers and organizations who may face pressure to engage with public officials about legislative or administrative matters. The law clarifies that this protection does not apply to jobs where political affiliation is a legitimate job requirement. Violations are punishable as gross misdemeanors under Minnesota Statutes §10A.36.

Issues: ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 24, 2025 Last action Apr 1, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction → 1st Engrossment · 6 edits · Apr 1, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was updated from its introduction to its first engrossment, incorporating significant amendments to strengthen protections against workplace reprisals for political activity. The changes expand the definition of who is protected to include employers and individuals, clarify that refusing to communicate with officials to influence decisions is protected activity, and add specific exemptions for bona fide occupational qualifications. Most importantly, the bill now explicitly provides a civil cause of action allowing injured parties to sue for damages, reinstatement, and attorney fees, while also clarifying the definition of 'employer' to include various government entities.

Scope change

The scope of protection was expanded to explicitly include employers and individuals as potential violators, and the definition of 'employer' was broadened to include government bodies like the legislature and judicial branch.

SCOPE

Added 'employer' and 'individual' to the list of entities prohibited from engaging in reprisals, previously only 'individual or association' was listed.

REQUIREMENT

Clarified that refusing to communicate with officials is protected even if the goal is to influence a decision about a legislative or administrative action.

Added a specific exemption stating the law does not apply if political affiliation is a bona fide occupational qualification for the job.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a new provision allowing injured individuals to file a civil lawsuit for damages, reinstatement, and attorney fees.

DEFINITION

Added a specific definition for 'employer' that includes government subdivisions like the legislature, courts, and schools.

TIMELINE

Added an effective date of August 1, 2025, for violations and causes of action.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 1, 2025

Upper · Passed

Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Elections

upper

Mar 6, 2025

Upper · Passed

Comm report: To pass and re-referred to Judiciary and Public Safety

upper

Feb 24, 2025

Committee

Referred to Elections

upper

Feb 24, 2025

Introduced

Introduction and first reading

upper

1 primary · 3 co-sponsors