Bill > HF1182

This bill establishes an ombudsperson within the Department of Employment and Economic Development specifically dedicated to supporting agricultural and food processing workers in Minnesota. The ombudsperson, who will be appointed by the governor for a four-year renewable term, must be highly qualified with expertise in workplace safety, labor standards, and knowledge of worker communities, and must be fluent in a language commonly used by these workers. Their primary responsibilities include providing accessible communication channels for workers to ask questions and file complaints, connecting workers with relevant agencies, analyzing worker protection issues, and making policy recommendations. The ombudsperson will also conduct outreach, create educational materials, participate in relevant consortiums and task forces, and publicly post verified unresolved complaints. They are required to submit an annual report detailing their activities, including the number of stakeholders served, complaint summaries, and policy recommendations. The bill includes provisions ensuring the ombudsperson can access necessary agency records while maintaining data privacy, and appropriates funding for the position's establishment and operations in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The role is designed to be independent, with the ability to provide legislative testimony and make reports about concerns affecting agricultural and food processing workers.

Labor and Employment

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1182&ssn=0&y=2025