Changes to Workforce and Equal Pay Certificates beginning today, July 1, 2021
Yesterday, Governor Walz signed the Public Safety and Judiciary Omnibus Bill, passed by the Minnesota House and Senate, that includes changes to Workforce Certificates and Equal Pay Certificates.
You are receiving this email because you either have or recently had a Workforce Certificate and/or an Equal Pay Certificate with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR).
These certificates play an important role in undoing racial and gender disparities.
Workforce and Equal Pay Fee Adjustment
Beginning today, July 1, 2021, fees will be adjusted to $250 for both the four-year Workforce Certificates and Equal Pay Certificates.
Who does this impact?
- If you currently have a certificate, no action is required.
- If you are renewing or applying for a certificate, the fee is now $250.
Payments can be done online with credit cards, debit cards, and checks.
Workforce Certificates Now Required for Businesses Based Outside of Minnesota
A contractor is now required to have a Workforce Certificate if:
- It has 40 or more employees;
- Its primary place of businesses is inside or outside of Minnesota; and
- It is executing a contract in excess of $100,000 with the State of Minnesota and/or metropolitan agencies.
Who does this impact?
- Out-of-state contractors who are amending, extending, or materially changing an existing contract after today, July 1, 2021.
- New or renewing out-of-state contractors.
This change creates consistency in requirements for Minnesota-based and non-Minnesota-based contractors.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
If a contractor is noncompliant, the legislature has now given MDHR the authority to issue fines up to $5,000 per calendar year for each contract. In addition, the statute permits MDHR to suspend a noncompliant contractor’s certificate and/or revoke the contractor's ability to bid on future projects.
Who does this impact?
- Contractors who do not comply with the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
Most contractors are in compliance. In circumstances of noncompliance, MDHR will work with the contractor first before issuing a penalty.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact us at compliance.mdhr@state.mn.us or call us at 651-539-1095.
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