Funding provided for hiring to support activities under the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Wolgamott

The bill funds one additional DLI staff position with $163,000 in FY2027 to enforce and support Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act compliance.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

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Purpose and Intent

HF 5113 appropriates funds to support staffing for activities under the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act. The bill is focused on enabling enforcement, oversight, and other activities related to ensuring safe working conditions in meat and poultry processing facilities as outlined in Minnesota Statutes, sections 179.87 to 179.877.

Key Provisions

Funding appropriation: The bill authorizes a general fund appropriation of $163,000 in fiscal year 2027.

Position funded: The appropriation is for one additional full-time equivalent (FTE) staff position within the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

Scope of duties: The added FTE is designated to support activities under the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act, located in Minnesota Statutes, sections 179.87 to 179.877. While the bill text here does not enumerate every duty, the implication is that the position would assist with compliance monitoring, enforcement actions, outreach, data collection, and related activities to ensure safe workplaces in meat and poultry processing sectors.

Affected Parties

State agency: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) gains one additional FTE funded by the general fund.

Meat and poultry processing employers and workers: Indirectly affected through enhanced state capacity to administer and enforce safety standards for workplaces covered by the Safe Workplaces Act.

General fund: The appropriation reduces available general fund resources in fiscal year 2027 by $163,000 to support the new position.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Effective timing: The appropriation is specified for fiscal year 2027. The bill does not indicate other changes to the Act or to the fiscal year 2027 budget beyond creating this added FTE.

Legislative status: As of the introduction on May 4, 2026, the bill has been introduced and referred to the committees Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy. Co-sponsor: Dan Wolgamott.

Practical Impact

The additional FTE should improve the DLI’s capacity to implement and supervise the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act, potentially leading to more timely inspections, better enforcement of safety standards, and enhanced compliance support for facilities in the meat and poultry sector.

Budgetary impact is a targeted general fund expenditure of $163,000 for FY 2027 to fund this position.

If you’d like, I can add a brief background on the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act (statutory sections 179.87–179.877) or compare this appropriation to prior staffing levels for related enforcement activities.

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