The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 116L.17, subdivision 1, to expand the eligibility criteria for the state dislocated worker program. The definition of "dislocated worker" is updated to include several new categories of individuals who may qualify for assistance. These include spouses of active-duty military members who have lost employment due to relocation, individuals with non-work-related injuries or illnesses needing support to re-enter the workforce, and adults with low income or deficiencies in basic skills. Additionally, the previous definition of "dislocated worker" that included "displaced homemakers" has been modified to remove the specific criteria related to public assistance.

The bill aims to provide broader support for individuals facing employment challenges by recognizing various circumstances that can lead to dislocation from the workforce. By including these new categories, the legislation seeks to address the needs of a wider range of individuals affected by economic changes, thereby enhancing the state's economic development efforts and workforce stability.