MN SF4597

Expands the definition of public employee to include graduate students and student employees paid by the University of Minnesota who are enrolled in three or more credit-bearing classes or one semester as a full-time student during the fiscal year in which work is performed.

Removes the exclusion of full-time undergraduate students employed by their school under work-study programs, making them eligible for public employee status.

Modifies University of Minnesota bargaining units by eliminating the separate Twin Cities Instructional Unit and renumbering the Outstate Instructional Unit, while allowing both units to jointly negotiate contracts with mutual agreement.

Adds a new subdivision allowing University of Minnesota bargaining units with elected representatives to jointly negotiate contracts with the regents or negotiate separate contracts, with joint contracts requiring ratification by each unit.

Modifies the severance process for certain University of Minnesota employee groups by allowing the commissioner discretionary authority to hold elections or allowing petitioning groups to proceed under alternative processes outlined in section 179A.12.