reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.371 — Award Or Disallowance Of Compensation.

176.371 AWARD OR DISALLOWANCE OF COMPENSATION.
The compensation judge to whom a petition has been assigned for hearing, shall hear all competent, relevant evidence produced at the hearing. All questions of fact and law submitted to a compensation judge at the hearing shall be disposed of and the judge's decision shall be filed with the commissioner, except where expedited procedures require a shorter time, within 60 days after the submission, unless sickness or casualty prevents a timely filing, or the chief administrative law judge extends the time for good cause. The compensation judge's decision shall include a determination of all contested issues of fact and law and an award or disallowance of compensation or other order as the pleadings, evidence, this chapter and rule require. A compensation judge's decision shall include a memorandum only if necessary to delineate the reasons for the decision or to discuss the credibility of witnesses. A memorandum shall not contain a recitation of the evidence presented at the hearing but shall be limited to the compensation judge's basis for the decision.
No part of the salary of a compensation judge shall be paid unless the chief administrative law judge determines that all decisions of that judge have been issued within the time limits prescribed by this chapter.
History:
1953 c 755 s 54; 1969 c 276 s 2; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1981 c 346 s 114; 1983 c 290 s 149; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1987 c 332 s 90
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.381 — Reference Of Questions Of Fact.

176.381 REFERENCE OF QUESTIONS OF FACT.
Subdivision 1.
Hearing before Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals.
In the hearing of any matter before the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals, the chief judge of the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals may refer any question of fact to the chief administrative law judge for assignment to a compensation judge either to hear evidence and report it to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals or to hear evidence and make findings of fact and report them to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals. The Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals shall notify the commissioner of any matter referred to a compensation judge under this subdivision.
Subd. 2.
Hearing before compensation judge.
In the hearing of any petition before a compensation judge, the chief administrative law judge may refer any question of fact to another compensation judge to hear evidence and report it to the original compensation judge.
History:
1953 c 755 s 55; Ex1967 c 1 s 6; 1969 c 276 s 2; 1973 c 388 s 107,108; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1981 c 346 s 115; 1984 c 640 s 32
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.391 — Investigations.

176.391 INVESTIGATIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Power to make.
Before, during, or after any hearing, a compensation judge may make an independent investigation of the facts alleged in the petition or answer.
Subd. 2.
Appointment of physicians, surgeons, and other experts.
The compensation judge assigned to a matter may appoint one or more neutral physicians or surgeons to examine the injury of the employee and report thereon except as provided otherwise pursuant to section 176.1361. Where necessary to determine the facts, the services of other experts may also be employed.
Subd. 3.
Reports.
The report of a physician, surgeon, or other expert requested under this section shall be filed with the compensation judge assigned to the matter if any. The report shall be made a part of the record of the case and be open to inspection as such.
Subd. 4.
Compensation.
The compensation judge shall fix the compensation of a physician, surgeon, or other expert whose services are employed under this section. This compensation shall be paid initially out of the funds appropriated for the maintenance of the Workers' Compensation Division, but shall be taxed as costs to either party, or both, or otherwise, as the compensation judge directs.
Where a sum which has been taxed to a party has not been paid, it may be collected in the same manner as are costs generally.
History:
1953 c 755 s 56; 1969 c 9 s 46; 1969 c 276 s 2; 1973 c 388 s 109-112; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78; Ex1979 c 3 s 59; 1981 c 346 s 116; 2005 c 90 s 19; 2022 c 32 art 2 s 11
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.401 — Hearings Public.

176.401 HEARINGS PUBLIC.
All hearings before a compensation judge are public.
History:
1953 c 755 s 57; 1969 c 276 s 2; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1981 c 346 s 117
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.411 — Rules Of Evidence, Pleading, And Procedure.

176.411 RULES OF EVIDENCE, PLEADING, AND PROCEDURE.
Subdivision 1.
Conduct of hearings and investigations.
Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, when a compensation judge makes an investigation or conducts a hearing, the compensation judge is bound neither by the common law or statutory rules of evidence nor by technical or formal rules of pleading or procedure. Hearsay evidence which is reliable is admissible. The investigation or hearing shall be conducted in a manner to ascertain the substantial rights of the parties.
Findings of fact shall be based upon relevant and material evidence only, as presented by competent witnesses, and shall comport with section 176.021.
Subd. 2.
Depositions.
Except where a compensation judge orders otherwise, depositions may be taken in the manner which the law provides for depositions in civil actions in district court.
Subd. 3.
Hospital records as evidence.
A hospital record relating to medical or surgical treatment given an employee is admissible as evidence of the medical and surgical matters stated in the record, but it is not conclusive proof of such matters.
History:
1953 c 755 s 58; 1969 c 276 s 2; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1981 c 346 s 118,119; 1987 c 332 s 91
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.442 — Appeals From Decisions Of Commissioner.

176.442 APPEALS FROM DECISIONS OF COMMISSIONER.
Except for a commissioner's decision which may be heard de novo in another proceeding including but not limited to a decision from an administrative conference under section 176.102, 176.103, 176.106, 176.239, or a summary decision under section 176.305, any decision or determination of the commissioner affecting a right, privilege, benefit, or duty which is imposed or conferred under this chapter is subject to review by the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals. A person aggrieved by the determination may appeal to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals by filing a notice of appeal with the commissioner in the same manner and within the same time as if the appeal were from an order or decision of a compensation judge to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals.
History:
1973 c 388 s 119; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1983 c 290 s 154; 1984 c 432 art 2 s 47; 1987 c 332 s 94; 1987 c 384 art 3 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.451 — Defaults.

176.451 DEFAULTS.
Subdivision 1.
Application to district court for judgment.
Where there has been a default of more than 30 days in the payment of compensation due under an award, the employee, or the employee's dependent, or other person entitled to the payment of money under the award, may apply to the judge of any district court for the entry of judgment upon the award.
Subd. 2.
Certified copy of award; filing, notice.
The application shall be made by filing a certified copy of the award with the court administrator and by serving a ten days' notice upon adverse parties. Service of the notice shall be made in the manner provided by court rule for service of summons in district court.
Subd. 3.
Court administrator's fees.
The court administrator shall charge $5 for the entire service the court administrator performs under this section.
Subd. 4.
Matters for determination; judgment.
When a judge hears the application for judgment upon the award, the judge has authority to determine only the facts of the award and the regularity of the proceedings upon which the award is based. The judge shall enter judgment accordingly.
Judgment shall not be entered upon an award while an appeal is pending.
Subd. 5.
Effect of district court judgment.
The judgment of the district court entered upon an award has the same force and effect, and may be vacated, set aside, or satisfied as may other judgments of the district court.
History:
1953 c 755 s 62; 1986 c 442 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 3 art 1 s 82
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.461 — Setting Aside Award.

176.461 SETTING ASIDE AWARD.
(a) Except when a writ of certiorari has been issued by the supreme court and the matter is still pending in that court or if as a matter of law the determination of the supreme court cannot be subsequently modified, the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals, for cause, at any time after an award, upon application of either party and not less than five working days after written notice to all interested parties, may set the award aside and grant a new hearing and refer the matter for a determination on its merits to the chief administrative law judge for assignment to a compensation judge, who shall make findings of fact, conclusions of law, and an order of award or disallowance of compensation or other order based on the pleadings and the evidence produced and as required by the provisions of this chapter or rules adopted under it.
(b) As used in this section, the phrase "for cause" is limited to the following:
(1) a mutual mistake of fact;
(2) newly discovered evidence;
(3) fraud; or
(4) a substantial change in medical condition since the time of the award that was clearly not anticipated and could not reasonably have been anticipated at the time of the award.
History:
1953 c 755 s 63; Ex1967 c 40 s 15; 1973 c 388 s 120; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 18,23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1981 c 346 s 127; 1983 c 290 s 155; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1992 c 510 art 2 s 11
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.481 — Original Jurisdiction Of Supreme Court.

176.481 ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF SUPREME COURT.
On review upon certiorari under this chapter, the supreme court has original jurisdiction. It may reverse, affirm, or modify the order allowing or disallowing compensation and enter such judgment as it deems just and proper. Where necessary the supreme court may remand the cause to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals for a new hearing or for further proceedings with such directions as the court deems proper.
History:
1953 c 755 s 65; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.491 — Stay Of Proceedings Pending Disposition Of Case.

176.491 STAY OF PROCEEDINGS PENDING DISPOSITION OF CASE.
Where a writ of certiorari has been perfected under this chapter, it stays all proceedings for the enforcement of the order being reviewed until the case has been finally disposed of either in the supreme court or, where the cause has been remanded for a new hearing before a compensation judge or further proceedings before the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals.
History:
1953 c 755 s 66; 1973 c 388 s 125; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1981 c 346 s 132
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.511 — Costs.

176.511 COSTS.
Subdivision 1.
Parties not awarded costs.
Except as provided otherwise by this chapter and specifically by this section, in appeals before the court of appeals or proceedings before the division or a compensation judge, costs shall not be awarded to any party.
Subd. 2.
Disbursements, taxation.
The commissioner or compensation judge, or the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals on cases before the court, may award the prevailing party reimbursement for actual and necessary disbursements. Disbursements shall be taxed upon ten days' written notice to adverse parties.
Subd. 3.
Attorney fee, allowance.
Where (1) an award of compensation is affirmed, or modified and affirmed, (2) an order disallowing compensation is reversed, or (3) a petition to vacate an award is granted, the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals may include in its award an amount to cover a reasonable attorney fee or may allow an attorney fee in a proceeding to tax disbursements.
If the employer or insurer files a notice of discontinuance of an employee's benefits and an administrative conference is held to resolve the dispute, but the employer or insurer fails to attend the administrative conference, the commissioner or compensation judge may order the employer or insurer to pay the employee's attorney fees as a cost under this section if the employee's benefits are continued.
Subd. 4.
Costs and disbursements on certiorari.
On review by the supreme court upon certiorari, costs and disbursements shall be taxed as they are upon appeals in civil actions.
Subd. 5.
Attorney fee on certiorari.
Where upon a review by the supreme court upon certiorari, an award of compensation is affirmed, or modified and affirmed, or an order disallowing compensation is reversed, the court may allow a reasonable attorney fee incident to the review. This allowance of an attorney fee shall be made a part of the judgment order of the supreme court.
History:
1953 c 755 s 68; 1969 c 276 s 2; 1973 c 388 s 126; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 19,23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1977 c 342 s 22; 1981 c 346 s 133; 1985 c 234 s 16,17; 1987 c 332 s 95-97; 2016 c 110 art 1 s 5,6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.522 — Notice To Employer.

176.522 NOTICE TO EMPLOYER.
An employer shall be notified by the insurer 30 days after any final valid settlement is approved or otherwise made final under any provision of this chapter. The notice shall include all terms of the settlement including the total amount of money required to be reserved in order to pay the claim.
History:
1983 c 290 s 159
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.531 — Award Of Compensation Against A Political Subdivision Or School District.

176.531 AWARD OF COMPENSATION AGAINST A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OR SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Subdivision 1.
Preferred claim.
Where there has been an award of compensation under this chapter to be paid by a political subdivision or a school district, the entitlement of a person to payment under the award is a preferred claim against the subdivision or district. The award shall be paid when and as ordered from the general fund of the subdivision or district, and from the current tax apportionment received by the subdivision or district for the credit of the general fund.
Subd. 2.
Payment from general fund.
When the political subdivision or school district has issued an order or warrant for payment of compensation, and the order or warrant has not been paid, it is a preferred claim which shall be paid from the general fund and from current tax apportionments received for the credit of the general fund before any subsequent claim for compensation is paid.
Subd. 3.
Prompt payment.
It is the intent of this section that there be prompt payment of compensation.
History:
1953 c 755 s 70; 1973 c 388 s 129; 1981 c 346 s 136
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.541 — State Departments.

176.541 STATE DEPARTMENTS.
Subdivision 1.
Application of chapter to state employees.
This chapter applies to the employees of any department of this state as defined in section 3.732, subdivision 1, clause (1).
Subd. 2.
Defense of claim against state.
When the commissioner of administration believes that a claim against the state for compensation should be contested, the commissioner shall defend the state claim.
Subd. 3.
Duties of attorney general.
At any stage in such a compensation proceeding, the attorney general may assume the duty of defending the state. When the commissioner of administration or a department of this state requests the attorney general to assume the defense, the attorney general shall do so.
Subd. 4.
Medical examination of employee; witnesses; conduct of defense.
In conducting a defense against a claim for compensation, the commissioner of administration or the attorney general, as the case may be, may require that an employee submit to a medical examination, procure the attendance of expert and other witnesses at a hearing, and do any other act necessary to conduct a proper defense.
Subd. 5.
Expenses of conducting defense.
The expenses of conducting a defense shall be charged to the department which employs the employee involved. These expenses shall be paid from the state compensation revolving fund.
Subd. 6.
Legal and clerical help.
The commissioner of administration may employ legal and clerical help. The salaries of these persons shall be paid from the state compensation revolving fund, but shall be apportioned among the several departments of the state in relation to the amount of compensation paid to employees of any department as against the total amount of compensation paid to employees of all departments.
Subd. 7.
[Repealed, 2017 c 94 art 3 s 10]
Subd. 7a.
Exceptions.
This section does not apply to the University of Minnesota.
Subd. 8.
State may insure.
The state of Minnesota may elect to insure its liability under the workers' compensation law for persons employed under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and similar programs, with an insurer properly licensed in Minnesota.
History:
1953 c 755 s 71; 1967 c 8 s 1; 1971 c 422 s 10; 1973 c 388 s 130-133; 1975 c 2 s 2; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 332 s 100-103; 2008 c 204 s 28-31; 2017 c 94 art 3 s 6-8
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.551 — Reports.

176.551 REPORTS.
Subdivision 1.
Heads of state departments to report accidents to employees.
Except as provided in subdivision 2, the head of a department of the state shall report each accident which occurs to an employee as and in the manner required by this chapter.
Subd. 2.
Contents.
The report need not contain a statement relating to liability to pay compensation as required by this chapter.
History:
1953 c 755 s 72
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.561 — Workers' Compensation Court Of Appeals Powers And Duties As To State Employees; Procedure For Determining Liability.

176.561 WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT OF APPEALS POWERS AND DUTIES AS TO STATE EMPLOYEES; PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING LIABILITY.
The division, a compensation judge and the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals have the same powers and duties in matters relating to state employees as they have in relation to other employees.
Except as specifically provided otherwise in this chapter, the procedure for determining the liability of the state for compensation is the same as that applicable in other cases.
History:
1953 c 755 s 73; 1973 c 388 s 134; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1975 c 359 s 23; 1976 c 134 s 78; 1983 c 290 s 160
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.571 — Investigations Of Injuries To State Employees.

176.571 INVESTIGATIONS OF INJURIES TO STATE EMPLOYEES.
Subdivision 1.
Preliminary investigation.
When the head of a department has filed a report or the commissioner of administration has otherwise received information of the occurrence of an injury to a state employee for which liability to pay compensation may exist, the commissioner of administration shall make a preliminary investigation to determine the question of probable liability.
In making this investigation, the commissioner of administration may require the assistance of the head of any department or any employee of the state. The commissioner of administration may require that all facts be furnished which appear in the records of any state department bearing on the issue.
Subd. 2.
Determination by department.
When the commissioner of administration has completed an investigation, the commissioner shall inform the claimant, the head of the employing department, and the commissioner of management and budget in writing of the action taken.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 1987 c 332 s 117]
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 1987 c 332 s 117]
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 1987 c 332 s 117]
Subd. 6.
[Repealed, 1987 c 332 s 117]
Subd. 7.
[Repealed, 1987 c 332 s 117]
History:
1953 c 755 s 74; 1973 c 388 s 135-141; 1983 c 290 s 161; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 332 s 104,105; 2008 c 204 s 32; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 70,109; 2016 c 110 art 2 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.572 — Contract With Insurance Carriers.

176.572 CONTRACT WITH INSURANCE CARRIERS.
The commissioner of administration may contract with group health insurance carriers or health maintenance organizations to provide health care services and reimburse health care payments for injured state employees entitled to benefits under this chapter.
History:
1983 c 290 s 162; 1987 c 332 s 106; 2008 c 204 s 33
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.581 — Payment To State Employees.

176.581 PAYMENT TO STATE EMPLOYEES.
Upon a request prepared by the commissioner of administration, and in accordance with the terms of the order awarding compensation, the commissioner of management and budget shall pay compensation to the employee or the employee's dependent. These payments shall be made from money appropriated for this purpose.
History:
1953 c 755 s 75; 1973 c 388 s 142-144; 1973 c 492 s 14; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 332 s 107; 2003 c 112 art 2 s 26; 2008 c 204 s 34; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 1Sp2019 c 10 art 3 s 26
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.591 — State Compensation Revolving Fund.

176.591 STATE COMPENSATION REVOLVING FUND.
Subdivision 1.
Establishment.
To facilitate the discharge by the state of its obligations under this chapter, there is established a revolving fund to be known as the state compensation revolving fund.
This fund is comprised of the unexpended balance in the fund on July 1, 1935, and the sums which the several departments of the state pay to the fund.
Subd. 2.
Commissioner of management and budget as custodian.
The commissioner of management and budget is custodian of this fund.
Subd. 3.
Compensation payments upon request.
The commissioner of management and budget shall make compensation payments from the fund only as authorized by this chapter upon request of the commissioner of administration.
History:
1953 c 755 s 76; 1973 c 388 s 145; 1987 c 332 s 108; 2003 c 112 art 2 s 50; 2008 c 204 s 35; 2009 c 101 art 2 s 109; 1Sp2019 c 10 art 3 s 27
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.603 — Cost Of Administering Chapter, Payment.

176.603 COST OF ADMINISTERING CHAPTER, PAYMENT.
The annual cost to the commissioner of the Department of Administration of administering this chapter in relation to state employees and the necessary expenses which the Department of Administration or the attorney general incurs in investigating, administering, and defending a claim against the state for compensation shall be paid from the state compensation revolving fund.
History:
1974 c 355 s 32; 1986 c 461 s 34; 1987 c 332 s 109; 2008 c 204 s 36
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.84 — Specificity Of Notice Or Statement.

176.84 SPECIFICITY OF NOTICE OR STATEMENT.
Subdivision 1.
Specificity required.
Notices of discontinuance and denials of liability shall be sufficiently specific to convey clearly, without further inquiry, the basis upon which the party issuing the notice or statement is acting. If the commissioner or compensation judge determines that a notice or statement is not sufficiently specific to meet the standard under this section, the notice or statement may be rejected as unacceptable and the party issuing it shall be informed of this. The rejected notice or statement may be amended to meet the requirement of this section or a new one may be filed.
Subd. 2.
Penalty.
The commissioner or compensation judge may impose a penalty of $500 for each violation of subdivision 1. This penalty is payable to the commissioner for deposit in the assigned risk safety account.
Subd. 3.
Effective date.
This section shall not be effective until the commissioner adopts rules which specify what is required to be contained in the notice of discontinuance and the denial of liability.
History:
1983 c 290 s 166; 1987 c 332 s 113; 1995 c 231 art 2 s 100; 2002 c 262 s 22
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.85 — Penalties; Appeals.

176.85 PENALTIES; APPEALS.
Subdivision 1.
Appeal procedure.
If the commissioner has assessed a penalty against a party subject to this chapter and the party believes the penalty is not warranted, the party may request that a formal hearing be held on the matter. The request must be filed within 30 days of the date that the penalty assessment is served on the party. Upon receipt of a timely request for a hearing the commissioner shall refer the matter to the chief administrative law judge for assignment to a compensation judge or administrative law judge.
The chief administrative law judge shall keep a record of the proceeding and provide a record pursuant to section 176.421.
The decision of the compensation judge or administrative law judge shall be final and shall be binding and enforceable. The decision may be appealed to the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals.
Subd. 2.
Exception.
This section does not apply to penalties for which another appeal procedure is provided, including but not limited to penalties imposed pursuant to section 176.102 or 176.103.
Subd. 3.
Hearing costs.
For purposes of this section, a hearing before an administrative law judge shall be treated in the same manner as a hearing before a compensation judge and no costs may be charged to the commissioner for the hearing, regardless of who hears it.
History:
1983 c 290 s 167; 1984 c 432 art 2 s 51; 1984 c 640 s 32
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.861 — Disclosure Of Information.

176.861 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.
Subdivision 1.
Insurance information.
The commissioner may, in writing, require an insurance company to release to the commissioner any or all relevant information or evidence the commissioner deems important which the company may have in its possession relating to a workers' compensation claim including material relating to the investigation of the claim, statements of any person, and any other evidence relevant to the investigation. The writing from the commissioner requiring release of the information shall contain a statement that the commissioner has reason to believe a crime or civil fraud has been committed with respect to an insurance claim, payment, or application.
Subd. 2.
Information released to authorized persons.
If an insurance company has evidence that a claim may be fraudulent, the company shall, in writing, notify the commissioner and provide the commissioner with all relevant material related to the company's inquiry into the claim.
Subd. 3.
Good faith immunity.
An insurance company or its agent acting in its behalf and in good faith who releases oral or written information under subdivisions 1 and 2 is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.
Subd. 4.
Self-insurer; assigned risk plan.
For the purposes of this section "insurance company" includes a self-insurer and the assigned risk plan and their agents.
History:
1995 c 231 art 1 s 31
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 176 — Workers' Compensation › Section 176.862 — Disclosure To Law Enforcement.

176.862 DISCLOSURE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.
The commissioner must disclose the current address of an employee collected or maintained under this chapter to law enforcement officers who provide the name of the employee and notify the commissioner that the employee is a person required to register under section 243.166 and is not residing at the address at which the employee is registered under section 243.166.
History:
2000 c 311 art 6 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.21 — Citation; Fair Labor Standards Act.

177.21 CITATION; FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT.
Sections 177.21 to 177.35 may be cited as the "Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act."
History:
1973 c 721 s 1; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.22 — Statement Of Purpose.

177.22 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
The purpose of the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act is (1) to establish minimum wage and overtime compensation standards that maintain workers' health, efficiency, and general well-being; (2) to safeguard existing minimum wage and overtime compensation standards that maintain workers' health, efficiency, and general well-being against the unfair competition of wage and hour standards that do not; and (3) to sustain purchasing power and increase employment opportunities.
History:
1973 c 721 s 2; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.25 — Overtime.

177.25 OVERTIME.
Subdivision 1.
Compensation required.
No employer may employ an employee for a workweek longer than 48 hours, unless the employee receives compensation for employment in excess of 48 hours in a workweek at a rate of at least 1-1/2 times the regular rate at which the employee is employed. The state of Minnesota or a political subdivision may grant time off at the rate of 1-1/2 hours for each hour worked in excess of 48 hours in a week in lieu of monetary compensation. An employer does not violate the overtime pay provisions of this section by employing any employees for a workweek in excess of 48 hours without paying the compensation for overtime employment prescribed (1) if the employee is employed under an agreement meeting the requirement of section 7(b)(2) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, or (2) if the employee is employed as a sugar beet hand laborer on a piece rate basis, provided that the regular rate of pay received per hour of work exceeds the applicable wage provided in section 177.24, subdivision 1 by at least 40 cents.
Subd. 2.
Health care exception.
An employer who operates a health care facility does not violate subdivision 1 if the employer and employee agree before performance of the work to accept a work period of 14 consecutive days in lieu of the workweek of seven consecutive days for the purpose of overtime compensation and if for the employment in excess of eight hours in any workday and in excess of 80 hours in the 14-day period the employee receives compensation at a rate not less than 1-1/2 times the regular rate at which the employee is employed.
Subd. 3.
Motor vehicle salespeople; mechanics.
Subdivision 1 does not apply to any salesperson, parts person, or mechanic primarily engaged in selling or servicing automobiles, trailers, trucks, or farm implements and paid on a commission or incentive basis, if employed by a nonmanufacturing establishment primarily engaged in selling the vehicles to ultimate purchasers.
Subd. 4.
Constructors of on-farm silos.
Subdivision 1 does not apply if the employee is employed in the construction of on-farm silos or the installation of appurtenant equipment on a unit or piece rate basis, if the regular rate of pay received per hour of work exceeds the applicable wage provided in section 177.24, subdivision 1.
Subd. 5.
Air carrier employees.
Subdivision 1 does not apply to employees of air carriers subject to the provisions of title II of the Railway Labor Act, when the hours worked by an employee in excess of 48 in a workweek are not required by the carrier, but are arranged through a voluntary agreement among employees to trade scheduled work hours.
History:
1973 c 721 s 5; 1981 c 289 s 1,3; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 4 s 30; 1983 c 60 s 2,3; 1983 c 95 s 1; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1; 1986 c 444; 2011 c 11 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.251 — Ride Sharing Not Overtime.

177.251 RIDE SHARING NOT OVERTIME.
The provisions of this chapter relating to compensation for overtime and payment of a minimum wage do not apply to employees' time spent in ride-sharing arrangements as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 65.
History:
1983 c 311 s 10; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.253 — Mandatory Work Breaks.

177.253 MANDATORY WORK BREAKS.
Subdivision 1.
Rest breaks.
An employer must allow each employee adequate time from work within each four consecutive hours of work to utilize the nearest convenient restroom.
Subd. 2.
Collective bargaining agreement.
Nothing in this section prohibits employers and employees from establishing rest breaks different from those provided in this section pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
History:
1988 c 559 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.254 — Mandatory Meal Break.

177.254 MANDATORY MEAL BREAK.
Subdivision 1.
Meal break.
An employer must permit each employee who is working for eight or more consecutive hours sufficient time to eat a meal.
Subd. 2.
Payment not required.
Nothing in this section requires the employer to pay the employee during the meal break.
Subd. 3.
Collective bargaining agreement.
Nothing in this section prohibits employers and employees from establishing meal periods different from those provided in this section pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.
History:
1989 c 167 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.26 — Division Of Labor Standards.

177.26 DIVISION OF LABOR STANDARDS.
Subdivision 1.
Creation.
The Division of Labor Standards in the Department of Labor and Industry is supervised and controlled by the commissioner of labor and industry.
Subd. 2.
Powers and duties.
The Division of Labor Standards shall administer this chapter and chapters 181, 181A, and 184.
Subd. 3.
MS 2022 [Repealed, 2023 c 53 art 1 s 34]
History:
1973 c 721 s 6; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1992 c 438 s 1; 2003 c 128 art 11 s 2,3; 2023 c 53 art 1 s 4,5
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.28 — Power To Make Rules.

177.28 POWER TO MAKE RULES.
Subdivision 1.
General authority.
The commissioner may adopt rules, including definitions of terms, to carry out the purposes of sections 177.21 to 177.44, to prevent the circumvention or evasion of those sections, and to safeguard the minimum wage and overtime rates established by sections 177.24 and 177.25.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1988 c 629 s 64]
Subd. 3.
Rules required.
The commissioner shall adopt rules under sections 177.21 to 177.35 defining and governing:
(1) salespeople who conduct no more than 20 percent of their sales on the premises of the employer;
(2) allowances as part of the wage rates for board, lodging, and other facilities or services furnished by the employer and used by the employees;
(3) bonuses;
(4) part-time rates;
(5) special pay for special or extra work;
(6) procedures in contested cases;
(7) other facilities or services furnished by employers and used by employees; and
(8) other special items usual in a particular employer-employee relationship.
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 1996 c 305 art 1 s 52]
Subd. 5.
Rules regarding people with disabilities.
In order to prevent curtailment of opportunities for employment, avoid undue hardship, and safeguard the minimum wage rates under sections 177.24 and 177.25, the department shall also issue rules providing for the employment of disabled workers at wages lower than the wage rates applicable under sections 177.24 and 177.25, under permits and for periods of time as specified therein. The rules must provide for the employment of learners and apprentices at wages lower than the wage rates applicable under sections 177.24 and 177.25, under permits and subject to limitations on number, proportion, length of learning period, occupations, and other conditions as the department may prescribe. The rules must provide that where a disabled person is performing or is being considered for employment where work must be performed which is equal to work performed by a nondisabled person, the disabled person must be paid the same wage as a nondisabled person with similar experience and skill.
Subd. 6.
Administrative Procedure Act to apply.
The rules are subject to the provisions of chapter 14.
History:
1973 c 721 s 8; 1976 c 165 s 2; 1977 c 369 s 3; 1982 c 424 s 50; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1; 1984 c 636 s 1; 1Sp1985 c 13 s 280; 1986 c 444; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2007 c 135 art 3 s 9
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.29 — Judicial Review.

177.29 JUDICIAL REVIEW.
Subdivision 1.
Appeal.
A person aggrieved by an administrative rule issued under section 177.28 may appeal in accordance with chapter 14.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1983 c 247 s 219]
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 1983 c 247 s 219]
History:
1973 c 721 s 9; 1982 c 424 s 51; 1983 c 247 s 75; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.31 — Posting Of Law And Rules; Penalty.

177.31 POSTING OF LAW AND RULES; PENALTY.
Every employer subject to sections 177.21 to 177.44 must obtain and keep a summary of those sections, approved by the department, and copies of any applicable rules adopted under those sections, or a summary of the rules. The employer must post the summaries in a conspicuous and accessible place in or about the premises in which any person covered by sections 177.21 to 177.44 is employed. The department shall furnish copies of the summaries and rules to employers without charge.
The commissioner may fine an employer up to $200 for each failure to comply with this section. This penalty is in addition to any penalties provided by section 177.32, subdivision 1.
History:
1973 c 721 s 11; 1982 c 424 s 53; 1983 c 209 s 3; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1; 1987 c 329 s 21; 2009 c 78 art 5 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.32 — Penalties.

177.32 PENALTIES.
Subdivision 1.
Misdemeanors.
An employer who does any of the following is guilty of a misdemeanor:
(1) hinders or delays the commissioner in the performance of duties required under sections 177.21 to 177.435, 181.01 to 181.723, or 181.79;
(2) refuses to admit the commissioner to the place of business or employment of the employer, as required by section 177.27, subdivision 1;
(3) repeatedly fails to make, keep, and preserve records as required by section 177.30;
(4) falsifies any record;
(5) refuses to make any record available, or to furnish a sworn statement of the record or any other information as required by section 177.27;
(6) repeatedly fails to post a summary of sections 177.21 to 177.44 or a copy or summary of the applicable rules as required by section 177.31;
(7) pays or agrees to pay wages at a rate less than the rate required under sections 177.21 to 177.44;
(8) refuses to allow adequate time from work as required by section 177.253; or
(9) otherwise violates any provision of sections 177.21 to 177.44.
Subd. 2.
Fine.
An employer shall be fined not less than $700 nor more than $3,000 if convicted of discharging or otherwise discriminating against any employee because:
(1) the employee has complained to the employer or to the department that wages have not been paid in accordance with sections 177.21 to 177.435;
(2) the employee has instituted or will institute a proceeding under or related to sections 177.21 to 177.435; or
(3) the employee has testified or will testify in any proceeding.
History:
1973 c 721 s 12; 1982 c 424 s 54; 1983 c 209 s 4; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; art 4 s 1; 1Sp1985 c 13 s 281; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 559 s 2; 2009 c 78 art 5 s 5; 1Sp2019 c 7 art 3 s 6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.35 — Right Of Collective Bargaining.

177.35 RIGHT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
Nothing in sections 177.21 to 177.35 limits the right of employees to bargain collectively with their employers through representatives of their own choosing to establish wages or other conditions of work more favorable to the employees than those required by sections 177.21 to 177.35.
History:
1973 c 721 s 15; 1982 c 424 s 57; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.41 — State Projects And State Highway Construction; Public Policy.

177.41 STATE PROJECTS AND STATE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION; PUBLIC POLICY.
It is in the public interest that public buildings and other public works be constructed and maintained by the best means and highest quality of labor reasonably available and that persons working on public works be compensated according to the real value of the services they perform. It is therefore the policy of this state that wages of laborers, workers, and mechanics on projects financed in whole or part by state funds should be comparable to wages paid for similar work in the community as a whole.
History:
1973 c 724 s 1; 1975 c 191 s 1; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.42 — Definitions.

177.42 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
As used in sections 177.41 to 177.44 the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them except where the context indicates otherwise.
Subd. 2.
Project.
"Project" means demolition, erection, construction, remodeling, or repairing of a public building, facility, or other public work financed in whole or part by state funds. Project also includes demolition, erection, construction, remodeling, or repairing of a building, facility, or public work when the acquisition of property, predesign, design, or demolition is financed in whole or part by state funds.
Subd. 3.
Area.
"Area" means the county or other locality from which labor for any project is normally secured.
Subd. 4.
Prevailing hours of labor.
"Prevailing hours of labor" means the hours of labor per day and per week worked within the area by a larger number of workers of the same class than are employed within the area for any other number of hours per day and per week. The prevailing hours of labor may not be more than eight hours per day or more than 40 hours per week.
Subd. 5.
Hourly basic rate.
"Hourly basic rate" means the hourly wage paid to any employee.
Subd. 6.
Prevailing wage rate.
"Prevailing wage rate" means the hourly basic rate of pay plus the contribution paid to or for the largest number of workers engaged in the same class of labor within the area for medical or hospital care, pensions on retirement or death, compensation for injuries or illness resulting from occupational activity, or insurance to provide any of the foregoing, for unemployment benefits, life insurance, disability and sickness insurance, or accident insurance, for vacation and holiday pay, for defraying the costs of apprenticeship or other similar programs, or for other bona fide fringe benefits, but only where the contractor or subcontractor is not required by other federal, state, or local law to provide any of those benefits, the amount of:
(1) the rate of contribution irrevocably made by a contractor or subcontractor to a trustee or to a third person under a fund, plan, or program; and
(2) the rate of costs to the contractor or subcontractor that may be reasonably anticipated in providing benefits to laborers and mechanics pursuant to an enforceable commitment to carry out a financially responsible plan or program which was communicated in writing to the laborers and mechanics affected.
"Prevailing wage rate" includes, for the purposes of section 177.44, rental rates for truck hire paid to those who own and operate the truck.
The prevailing wage rate may not be less than a reasonable and living wage.
Subd. 7.
Employer.
"Employer" means an individual, partnership, association, corporation, business trust, or other business entity that hires a laborer, worker, or mechanic.
History:
1973 c 724 s 2; 1975 c 191 s 2; 1984 c 628 art 4 s 1; 2009 c 78 art 5 s 6,7; 2023 c 53 art 11 s 9
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.435 — Facility Construction; Prevailing Wage.

177.435 FACILITY CONSTRUCTION; PREVAILING WAGE.
Construction of value-added agricultural product processing facility financed in whole or in part with a loan or grant provided under section 41A.035, 41B.044, or 41B.046 is a "project" as that term is defined in section 177.42, subdivision 2. Contracts for the construction or expansion of a value-added agricultural product processing facility that is a project under this section must comply with section 177.43 if the loan or grant agreement was entered into on or after December 31, 1995.
History:
1995 c 220 s 113
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 175 - 187 — Labor, Industry › Chapter 177 — Labor Standards And Wages › Section 177.45 — Attorney General Enforcement.

177.45 ATTORNEY GENERAL ENFORCEMENT.
In addition to the enforcement of this chapter by the department, the attorney general may enforce this chapter under section 8.31.
History:
1Sp2019 c 7 art 3 s 7