This bill modifies various aspects of workforce development in Minnesota, particularly focusing on the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board and services for blind vendor facilities. It amends the membership structure of the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board by adding the commissioner of employment and economic development or their designee, and the president of the University of Minnesota or their designee, while maintaining the requirement for certain members to represent organized labor and business. Additionally, the bill updates the reporting requirements for economic development programs, mandating a comprehensive inventory of such programs every two years, and includes a provision that this section will expire after the report due on January 15, 2026.

Furthermore, the bill revises the language regarding blind vendor facilities, replacing references to "stands and machines" with "facilities" to better reflect the nature of the services provided. It clarifies the liability limitations for the Department of Employment and Economic Development concerning injuries related to blind vendors and their operations. The bill also continues the revolving fund for vocational rehabilitation of the blind, specifying its use for establishing and operating vending facilities, and outlines the purposes for which the fund can be utilized, including equipment purchases and fringe benefits for blind vending operators.

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