State and Local Government

SF 3887 allows watershed districts, watershed management organizations, and towns with over 100 employees to self-insure for employee health benefits like long-term disability (but not life insurance). The bill requires self-insurance plans to meet legal benefit standards and be certified by the Department of Commerce before use. It also mandates that employers consult with employee representatives before adopting or dissolving self-insurance plans and provides options for employees to enroll in external insurance at their own expense. This expands existing self-insurance options previously limited to cities and counties.

SF 1714 requires Minnesota public contracting agencies to provide detailed, timely payment notifications to all contractors and subcontractors on public improvement projects. Agencies must send written notices within three business days of any payment (including progress, retainage, or final payments), including the payment amount, date, recipient details, scope of work, and reasons for any withholding. These notifications must be provided to every tier of contractors and subcontractors at no cost, ensuring transparency about how and when payments are made. The bill directly affects state/local government agencies managing public contracts and the contractors/subcontractors working on those projects. It aims to improve payment clarity without changing payment amounts or timelines.

This bill modifies Minnesota's gambling laws by increasing the maximum cash prize for paddle tickets from $70 to $200 and raising the maximum ticket price from $2 to $5. It directly affects gambling organizations that sell paddle tickets, which are a type of lottery game. The changes are made to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 349.211, subdivision 2b, which governs paddlewheel prizes.

This bill allows retired police officers in Minnesota to return to work without losing their pension or having it reduced. Under the new rules, eligible officers who have at least five years of service and are at least 55 years old can rejoin their department while continuing to receive their full retirement annuity. The legislation also requires these officers to make standard employee contributions during their time back on the job and limits the number of retired officers any single city can rehire. Additionally, the bill ensures that reemployed officers maintain their health insurance coverage and mandates that their contributions be refunded with interest if they leave the position again.

This bill prohibits Minnesota state legislators from receiving per diem living expense payments while the legislature is in regular session. It also clarifies that the only compensation legislators can accept includes their salary, insurance contributions, retirement contributions, and specific payments outlined in existing laws. The changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027.