Bill > SF775

This bill establishes an Ombudsperson for Safety, Health, and Well-being of Agricultural and Food Processing Workers within the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The ombudsperson, appointed by the governor for a four-year term, must be highly qualified with expertise in workplace safety, labor standards, and knowledge of agricultural worker communities, including being fluent in a language commonly used by these workers. The role includes providing accessible methods for workers to file complaints, connecting workers with relevant agencies, analyzing worker protection issues, and making policy recommendations. The ombudsperson will conduct outreach, create educational materials, coordinate with state agencies, and participate in relevant task forces and consortiums. They will be required to submit an annual report detailing their activities, including the number of complaints received, expenditures, and policy recommendations. The bill provides the ombudsperson with access to confidential state agency data when investigating specific cases, with strict guidelines to protect individual privacy. The position is designed to be independent, allowing the ombudsperson to provide testimony to the legislature and advocate for agricultural and food processing workers' safety, health, and well-being. The bill also includes an appropriation to fund the establishment and operations of this new office.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Labor and Employment

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0775&ssn=0&y=2025