HF1671

This bill proposes changes to Minnesota labor and industry laws, focusing on wage protections for employees with disabilities, modifications to technical requirements for continuing education, and exemptions from licensing and inspections in certain electrical work contexts.

Key Provisions:

1. Elimination of Subminimum Wages for Workers with Disabilities:

   • As of August 1, 2026, employers may not hire new employees with disabilities at a wage lower than the highest applicable minimum wage, regardless of whether they have a special certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor under Section 14(c) of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
     
   • By August 1, 2028, all employees with disabilities must be paid at least the minimum wage, ending the use of special wage certificates.

2. Civil Actions for Wage Violations:

   • The commissioner of labor may take legal action in district court to enforce wage laws and seek compliance.

3. Approval Process for Internet-Based Continuing Education:

   • Specifies requirements for online continuing education (e.g., encryption security, student authentication, technical support, and evaluation criteria).
     
   • Establishes different approval authorities for specific professions.

4. Updates to Electrical Licensing Exemptions:

   • Clarifies who is exempt from holding a license for certain electrical and technology systems work.
     
   • Exempts specific groups, including:
     
     • Maintenance electricians performing work on employer-owned property.
       
     • Utility, communication, and railway workers conducting work for their organizations.
       
     • Homeowners doing electrical work in their own residences.
       
     • Elevator contractors and workers performing related work.

5. Exemptions from Electrical Inspections:

   • Specifies industrial, utility, and communication installations that are not subject to state inspection requirements.

6. Repeal of Subminimum Wage Rules for Disabled Workers:

   • Eliminates rules that previously allowed certain employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage under special permits.
     
   • Repeals rules requiring workers with disabilities to be paid based on performance evaluations and limiting the number of disabled workers who could be employed at subminimum wages.

Summary:

This bill primarily aims to eliminate subminimum wages for workers with disabilities, refine continuing education requirements, and adjust licensing exemptions for electricians. It strengthens worker protections while making technical updates to labor and industry regulations in Minnesota.