HF3228

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this legislative bill is to amend and update the workers' compensation laws in Minnesota. It includes adopting recommendations from the Workers Compensation Advisory Council to re-define who qualifies as an employee and thus who is eligible for workers' compensation benefits. The bill aims to expand and clarify coverage for voluntary and uncompensated workers across various sectors.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Employee: The bill expands the definition of an "employee" to include various categories such as voluntary workers, certain students, and members of the military forces engaged in state active service.

• Voluntary Workers: The bill specifies that voluntary and uncompensated workers, including those in emergency management, building projects, Minnesota Historical Society activities, educational institutions, and veterans' homes, are considered employees for compensation purposes. It sets the compensation based on usual wages for similar roles performed by paid workers.

• Direct Support Services Workers: Workers providing personal care assistance and support services in home and community settings are included as employees. This category includes those who are employed through government-funded programs and require insurance for workers' compensation.

• Miscellaneous Inclusions: Faculty members working between academic years and volunteer ambulance drivers are included as employees for compensation in case of injury or death related to their roles.

Significant Changes

• The inclusion of a wide range of voluntary and uncompensated workers under the umbrella term of "employee" represents a substantial expansion of the workers' compensation system.
• Educational stipends for University of Minnesota students are used to calculate workers' compensation benefits.
• The bill specifies that certain voluntary roles within state or community efforts, like pollution control or law enforcement assistance, qualify for workers' compensation.

Relevant Terms

• Workers' Compensation
• Voluntary Worker
• Direct Support Services
• Emergency Management
• Faculty Member
• Personal Care Assistance
• Military Forces
• Civil Air Patrol