Labor

SF 3720 modifies how Minnesota municipalities can handle building code enforcement for certain projects. It updates qualification standards from "inspectors" to "qualified personnel," requiring municipalities to have enough trained staff (including code enforcement staff) to provide plan review, inspection, and enforcement for public buildings and state-licensed facilities. The bill also specifies a list of "reserved projects" (like roof replacements, exterior maintenance, or accessibility upgrades) where municipalities can manage code enforcement without state oversight. Municipalities must formally request agreements, and the state commissioner must provide written criteria and explanations for approvals or denials, with appeal options available.

This bill requires large employers in major Minnesota cities to offer tax-free commuter benefits to full-time workers who live near public transit. Specifically, companies with 50 or more employees within one mile of a regular transit route must provide a pretax benefit allowing workers to pay for transit passes through payroll deductions. The law also permits employers to offer additional subsidies for walking, biking, or carpooling and mandates that transit authorities create a map to help identify which businesses are covered. Employers can negotiate to waive this requirement through a collective bargaining agreement, and the rules do not interfere with existing union contracts.

This bill requires the state of Minnesota to create a centralized online portal and database for collecting certified payroll information from all contractors working on state projects that are subject to prevailing wage laws. The system will allow the public to search and view details about workers, including their job classifications, hours worked, and hourly wages, starting in 2026. Contractors must submit their payroll data through this new electronic system, which will also serve as their official record for meeting existing reporting requirements. The legislation includes funding for the technology and administrative costs needed to establish and maintain the portal.

This bill directs the state to update its building code by April 1, 2027, to permit apartment buildings with only one stairway exit. The primary mechanism requires the state commissioner to adopt new rules based on the recommendations of a 2025 study specifically focused on single-exit stairway apartment buildings. While the bill does not set specific safety standards itself, it mandates that any future regulations must align with the findings of that study. This change aims to allow more flexible housing designs while ensuring compliance with the upcoming study's conclusions.

This bill grants drivers for transportation network companies, such as rideshare services, the right to form labor unions and negotiate collective bargaining agreements. It directly affects drivers working for large companies that meet specific ride volume thresholds and establishes a new legal framework for these negotiations. Key provisions include defining who qualifies as an active driver, setting rules to prevent companies from creating their own driver groups, and designating state agencies to oversee the certification of unions and handle disputes. The legislation also creates a new chapter in the state statutes to regulate these relationships and authorizes the state to impose fines for violations.