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SF4003 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Suitable seating for employees provided by employers requirement provision

Related bill: HF3796

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

The bill adds a requirement that employers provide suitable seating for employees and allow employees to use those seats when the work allows it. The goal is to improve workplace comfort and safety by ensuring employees have access to seating near where they work.

Main Provisions

  • Suitable Seating Requirement

    • An employer must provide suitable seating for employees.
    • Employees must be permitted to use these seats when the nature of the work reasonably permits use of seats.
    • Suitable seating means an adequate number of seats placed near the work area.
    • Types of seats that count as suitable seating include chairs, stools, or benches, as long as they have back support for the user.

  • Proximity and Accessibility

    • Seats must be reasonably close to the work area, so employees can sit without long distances to move.

  • Enforcement and Penalties

    • The section is enforced by the state labor commissioner under existing enforcement provisions (sections 182.66 and 182.661).
    • Violations are subject to the penalties provided in section 182.666.

Practical Impact

  • Applies broadly to employers under Minnesota occupational safety rules.
  • Adds a clear standard for seating in many work environments.
  • Clarifies that seating is required unless the nature of the work clearly cannot accommodate it.
  • Provides a defined mechanism for enforcement and penalties if the requirement is not followed.

Relationship to Existing Law

  • Creates a new statute (section 182.6771) within Minnesota Statutes Chapter 182 related to occupational safety.
  • References existing enforcement and penalty provisions to handle violations.

Significance

  • Establishes a concrete worker comfort and safety measure by ensuring access to back-supported seating near the work area.

Relevant Terms - Suitable seating - Employees - Adequate number of seats - Proximity to the work area - Back support - Chair - Stool - Bench - Enforcement - Commissioner - Minnesota Statutes Chapter 182 - 182.66 - 182.661 - 182.666 - Occupational safety - Reasonably permits (nature of the work)

Bill text versions

Upcoming committee meetings

  • Labor on: March 24, 2026 12:30

Past committee meetings

  • Labor on: March 12, 2026 12:30

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2026SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
March 02, 2026SenateActionReferred toLabor
March 17, 2026SenateActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references Minnesota Statutes section 182.66 in relation to enforcement of occupational safety provisions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "182.66",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references Minnesota Statutes section 182.661 in relation to enforcement by the commissioner.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "182.661",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references Minnesota Statutes section 182.666 regarding penalties for violations of this section.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "182.666",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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