MN HF2926

Creates the Public Employment Relations Board with three members: one representing public employee organizations, one representing public employers (both appointed by governor), and one representing the public at large (appointed by the other two members).

Transfers unfair labor practice complaint procedures from district court to the new board, requiring investigators to conduct investigations and hearing officers to issue recommended decisions, with parties able to file exceptions to the board within 30 days.

Authorizes the board to hear and decide appeals from unfair labor practice cases and from commissioner determinations regarding unit appropriateness and fair share fee challenges, with board decisions reviewable by Court of Appeals.

Grants public employees the right to engage in concerted activities for collective bargaining or mutual aid or protection, and excludes positions in the Bureau of Mediation Services and Public Employment Relations Board from collective bargaining units.

Appropriates $125,000 in fiscal year 2015 to the Bureau of Mediation Services for the board's operations, effective July 1, 2014, with most provisions effective July 1, 2015.