This bill focuses on workforce development in Minnesota by modifying the membership structure of the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board, updating state services for blind vendor facilities, and altering reporting requirements for economic development programs. Notably, the bill specifies that the board will now include the commissioner of employment and economic development or their designee, as well as the president of the University of Minnesota or their designee, ensuring that individuals with experience in technical education are represented. Additionally, the bill mandates that the commissioner of employment and economic development submit a report every even-numbered year detailing an inventory of economic development programs, including workforce development initiatives, and outlines specific information that must be included in these reports.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the operation of vending facilities for blind vendors, replacing the term "stands and machines" with "facilities" to modernize the language. It limits the liability of the Department of Employment and Economic Development concerning injuries sustained by blind vendors' employees and clarifies the use of a revolving fund for vocational rehabilitation of the blind. The bill also establishes that certain sections will expire following the submission of required reports in 2025 and 2026, respectively, ensuring that the provisions remain relevant and subject to review.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116L.03, 116L.35, 116L.98, 248.07