MN HF5100

Establishes the Worker Opportunity Act to provide income assistance of $300 per week for up to 13 weeks to unemployed workers ineligible for state or federal unemployment insurance due to work authorization issues, regardless of immigration status.

Requires the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to contract with a third-party benefits administrator to manage the program on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sets eligibility requirements including: filing an application, being unemployed through no fault of their own, having $14,400 in Minnesota wages over four recent calendar quarters, establishing Minnesota residency for at least six months, and providing identity verification.

Classifies applicant data as private and prohibits sharing with immigration enforcement agencies, with violations subject to penalties under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Appropriates $10,000,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2025, available until June 30, 2030, with the program effective July 1, 2027.