Bill > SF1854

This bill amends Minnesota state law to strengthen protections for employees against workplace reprisals related to political activity and communication with public officials. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers from engaging in economic reprisals, threatening job loss, or using physical coercion against employees who either participate in political activities (such as becoming a candidate for elected office) or refuse to communicate with public or local officials to influence legislative or administrative actions. The bill provides important exceptions, such as when political affiliation is a bona fide occupational qualification or when an employee's job responsibilities specifically include communicating with officials. Importantly, the bill creates a new civil remedy, allowing individuals who are injured by violations to sue in district court for damages, injunctive relief, attorney fees, and potential reinstatement of employment. The bill broadly defines "employer" to include a wide range of entities from private businesses to governmental subdivisions, and violations are classified as a gross misdemeanor. The law will become effective on August 1, 2025, and will apply to violations and causes of action from that date forward, giving employers time to understand and comply with the new requirements.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1854&ssn=0&y=2025