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. Specifically, it amends the composition of the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board to 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 appointees have relevant experience in technical education. Additionally, the bill mandates that the commissioner of employment and economic development submit a biennial report 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 updates the terminology related to blind vendor operations, replacing "stands and machines" with "facilities" to reflect a broader scope of services. It clarifies the liability limitations for the Department of Employment and Economic Development concerning blind vendors and their employees, ensuring that the department is not held liable for injuries or claims arising from the operations of these vendors. The bill also establishes a revolving fund for vocational rehabilitation of the blind, which will be used for the purchase of equipment and supplies for vending facilities, and outlines the purposes for which this fund can be utilized. The amendments aim to enhance workforce development efforts and improve the operational framework for blind vendors in Minnesota.

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