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SF 2919

Earned sick and safe time benefits cost inclusion in the prevailing wage calculation under certain conditions authorization provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gene Dornink and 3 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill would allow earned sick/safe time benefits to count toward prevailing wage calculations on public projects, potentially reducing contractor costs or restructuring worker compensation packages.

Referred to Labor
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Bill Summary · SF 2919

Legislative bill overview

SF 2919 would authorize the inclusion of earned sick and safe time benefits as part of prevailing wage calculations under certain conditions in Minnesota. This means that when contractors bid on prevailing wage projects (typically public construction), the cost of providing sick and safe time could potentially count toward meeting prevailing wage requirements rather than being an additional cost.

Why is this important

Prevailing wage laws set minimum pay standards for workers on public projects, typically to protect worker income and labor standards. How sick time is calculated affects both contractor costs and worker take-home benefits. This bill could either reduce costs for contractors on public projects or potentially allow workers' total compensation packages to be structured differently—depending on implementation details not fully specified in the bill title.

Potential points of contention

  • Worker protection concerns: Labor advocates may worry that counting benefits toward prevailing wage could reduce actual cash wages workers receive, or create incentives to minimize hourly rates while inflating benefit valuations
  • Contractor cost implications: Construction industry may support this as cost relief on public bids, while unions may oppose it as undermining wage standards they've fought to establish
  • Implementation details: The phrase "under certain conditions" is vague and critical—how benefits are valued, accrued, and whether they're mandatory or optional could significantly shift the practical effect

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

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