The bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes concerning workers' compensation, incorporating recommendations from the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council. Notable changes include an updated definition of "employee" to explicitly include voluntary uncompensated workers engaged in direct support services, with provisions for calculating their daily wage based on similar paid services. The definition of "executive officer of a corporation" has also been aligned with existing statutes. Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of personal care assistance provider agencies regarding workers' compensation insurance for their employees and outlines exclusions for certain employments, such as family farms and closely held corporations. Employers are mandated to provide comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation services for injured employees, including coverage for family members providing nursing services.

Further amendments address the ownership of customized items for injured workers, establishing that such items are their property and detailing employer liability for expenses if necessary items are not provided. The bill extends the time limits for filing compensation claims to three years after notification, with a maximum of six years from the date of the injury, and increases the exemption amount for compensation claims from $1,000,000 to $10,000,000. It also introduces provisions for owner- and contractor-controlled insurance programs, requiring commissioner approval and mandating attestation from applicants for zero estimated exposure policies. Additional guidelines for insurance policy forms and rates are established, including maintaining payroll records for three years post-project completion and allowing audits for compliance. The effective dates for these changes vary, with some provisions taking effect immediately after final enactment and others set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 176.011, 176.041, 176.135, 176.151, 176.175, 176.361, 176.421
1st Engrossment: 176.011, 176.041, 176.135, 176.151, 176.175, 176.361, 176.421, 176.185
1st Unofficial Engrossment: 176.011, 176.041, 176.135, 176.151, 176.175, 176.361, 176.421, 176.185