MN HF3015

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

Board hears and decides appeals from unfair labor practice charges under section 179A.13 and appeals of commissioner determinations under section 179A.12, subdivision 11, with decisions reviewable by Court of Appeals within 30 days.

Transfers unfair labor practice proceedings from district court to board jurisdiction, with designated hearing officers conducting investigations and issuing recommended decisions that the board may adopt, modify, or reject.

Authorizes the board to hire investigators, hearing officers, and other employees; issue subpoenas and administer oaths; and enforce its orders through district court petitions for compliance and contempt proceedings.

Appropriates $125,000 in fiscal year 2015 to the Bureau of Mediation Services for board operations and requires the board to be established and prepared to hear cases by July 1, 2015.