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Bill Summary · HF 4356

Summary of HF 4356 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Purpose

HF 4356 seeks to align the classification status of Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) employees by allowing, with approval from the Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), the conversion of certain unclassified employees to the classified service. The bill establishes a new section in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 246C, governing this classification alignment and ensuring that converted employees retain their existing compensation at the time of conversion (no salary reduction).

Key Provisions

  • New authority for conversion to classified service

    • Section [246C.051] authorizes Direct Care and Treatment, with MMB approval, to convert employees who are currently unclassified (per pilot authority previously granted under Laws 1997, chapter 97, section 18) into the classified service.
    • This conversion can occur notwithstanding existing prohibitions or rules in place under section 43A.08, Minnesota Rules, part 3900.1300, or any other law, to the extent allowed by this provision.

  • Terms and conditions after conversion

    • Employees who are converted to the classified service must be subject to the same terms and conditions of employment as positions in the classified service.
    • This includes applicable statutes, rules, bargaining unit agreements, compensation plans, and agency policies.
    • Converted employees would be subject to standard classified-service requirements, such as probationary periods and mandatory training requirements.

  • No reduction in salary upon conversion

    • The conversion to the classified service must not entail a salary reduction for the affected employees.

Affected Parties

  • Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) employees currently classified as unclassified under pilot authority or related provisions.
  • Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), which provides approval for the conversion process.
  • State-operated human services agencies that employ DCT staff and participate in the classified service framework.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and committee actions

    • Introduced and referred to Human Services Finance and Policy in March 2026.
    • House committee actions indicate a progression toward adoption and potential second reading in April 2026.
    • Action history shows a recent committee report and a second reading, with motions relating to re-refer to State Government Finance and Policy.

  • Co-sponsors

    • Bianca Virnig and Luke Frederick are listed as co-sponsors.

Potential Impact

  • Workforce stability and career progression

    • By moving unclassified DCT employees into the classified service without pay reduction, the bill could enhance job security, eligibility for classified benefits, and formal career progression pathways.

  • Consistency with state human resources policies

    • The measure aligns DCT staffing with the broader classified-service framework, including probationary periods and required training, potentially improving accountability and standardized staffing practices.

  • Budget and administrative considerations

    • MMB approval is required, indicating an interagency and fiscal oversight step that could influence when and how conversions occur.
    • The bill creates a legislative framework for ongoing conversion decisions, subject to budgetary and policy constraints.

Notes

  • The text sets a new statutory framework, superseding or operating alongside existing rules when necessary to permit the conversion.
  • The primary policy emphasis is on classification alignment without penalizing affected employees financially at the moment of conversion.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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