MN HF4508

Expands the definition of public employee to include University of Minnesota students enrolled in three or more credit-bearing classes or as full-time students/post-doctoral fellows who perform work paid by the university, including work required as a condition of receiving stipends or tuition benefits.

Eliminates the separate Twin Cities Instructional Unit for University of Minnesota employees and consolidates instructional employees into the Outstate Instructional Unit, though both units may jointly negotiate contracts with mutual agreement.

Allows University of Minnesota bargaining units to jointly negotiate contracts with the Board of Regents by mutual agreement, with any jointly negotiated contract requiring ratification by each unit.

Modifies the severance process for certain University of Minnesota employee groups by permitting the commissioner to hold an election or allowing the petitioning group to proceed under section 179A.12 procedures, rather than making an election mandatory.

Changes language describing bargaining units from "consists of" to "includes" throughout the statute to clarify unit composition.