MN SF2781

Expands disqualifications for the Greater Minnesota business expansion program to exclude businesses primarily engaged in lobbying, gambling, entertainment, professional sports, political consulting, leisure, hospitality, or professional services by attorneys, accountants, business consultants, physicians, or health care consultants.

Simplifies minimum employment expansion requirements from a tiered system (5 employees for small businesses, 10% for mid-size, 21 for large) to a uniform requirement of two employees or 10% growth, whichever is greater.

Reduces the certification period from 12 years to 7 years, beginning from the date the commissioner informs the business of the award rather than from execution of the business subsidy agreement.

Caps annual sales tax exemptions at $2,000,000 per year and $10,000,000 total over the certification period, with commissioner discretion to set maximum amounts in individual business subsidy agreements.

Adds requirement that property or services claimed for exemption must be used at the specific facility identified in the business subsidy agreement, and limits total refunds statewide to $7,000,000 per fiscal year with first-come, first-served allocation.