BIA Advocacy Update

Minnesota 

Earned sick & safe time changes

The Minnesota Senate passed updates to the Earned Sick and Safe Time law originally passed in 2023. The law requires employees to earn one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum of 48 hours annually. The recent changes include exempting small businesses with three or fewer employees and farms with five or fewer employees. It also allows employers to request documentation after two consecutive days of leave. Though small changes to the program, we appreciate that legislators are considering the impacts on small businesses. The bill now will go to the House for deliberation. 

BIA collaborated with the FMWF Chamber on a letter/email campaign encouraging members to reach out to legislators to encourage changes with this program and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). As a reminder, the PFML program begins Jan. 1, 2026. You can access information on that program here. 

We are in the final days of the session, as the legislature has until May 19, 2025. 

Housing Budget 

The Housing Omnibus Conference Committee is still determining details on the housing budget bill. Differences in H.F. 2309 and S.F. 2298 can be found here. Although there are differences in funding amounts, both chambers are in support of addressing housing challenges and finding common ground. 

BIA signs on to letter regarding MN's Residential Energy Code

BIA, along with other building associations, is sending a letter to the Department of Labor and Industry, encouraging them to adopt the 2024 energy code with performance path options intact and minimal costly adjustments. The proposed changes to the state’s Residential Energy Code could add up to $50,000 to the cost of a new home by 2038. The state is only allowed to adopt codes that are more stringent than the 2024 IECC model code, making advocacy for the adoption of the model code the most balanced approach for maintaining affordability. Additionally, the performance path options offer flexibility.

69th North Dakota Legislative Assembly ends

The session adjourned around 4 a.m. on May 3, 2025. Over 1,000 bills were introduced. The North Dakota Association of Builders Government Affairs Committee will soon meet to determine the "top 10" bills for the session. They met weekly during the session to discuss various bills and determine positions.

Open house for West Fargo Growth Plan 

The city of West Fargo is currently undertaking a Growth Area Master Plan to help guide the City’s future development. They are hosting a public open house 5-7 p.m. May 21 at West Fargo City Hall (2515 6th St. E) with presentations at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Their goal is to introduce preliminary project information, gather initial feedback and engage with residents and stakeholders.

Code Connect: Fargo Land Development Code

The City of Fargo is hosting another Code Connect noon - 1 p.m. May 14. These sessions take place online, featuring updates, context and Q&A about the project. Find more info and register here: https://www.fargoldc.com/. 

2025 Building Officials Roundtable

The Association hosted its annual roundtable where local officials are invited to come and share updates and reminders and answer attendees' questions. It's always a great opportunity for members to ask questions and hear from the different jurisdictions. This year, we were joined by officials from Fargo, Horace and Moorhead. 

A recording of the session is available for $20. Please reach out to Elizabeth Kosel at elizabeth@buildrrv.org. or (701) 232-5846.