MN SF5106

Establishes the Worker Opportunity Act to provide income assistance to unemployed workers ineligible for state or federal unemployment insurance due to work authorization issues.

Authorizes $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 for the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to contract with a third-party benefits administrator to administer and pay worker opportunity benefits, with funds available until June 30, 2030.

Eligible workers may receive $300 per week for up to 13 weeks if unemployed through no fault of their own, have Minnesota residency for at least six months, and earned at least $14,400 in Minnesota wages during the four most recent calendar quarters, regardless of immigration status.

Classifies worker opportunity benefits data as private data that may only be used for administering the program and prohibits sharing with federal immigration enforcement agencies or entities that primarily enforce immigration law.

Adds a private entity administering worker opportunity benefits to the list of entities authorized to access unemployment insurance data under Minnesota Statutes section 268.19 for confirming applicant eligibility, effective July 1, 2027.