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Time off for giving blood (new law)

Published (5/16/2008)
By Brian Hogenson
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What entered the legislative process as a small bill requiring that state employees be granted paid leave to donate blood arrived at the governor’s desk as the omnibus state government policy bill.

The new law that resulted, sponsored by Rep. Gene Pelowski Jr. (DFL-Winona) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), was signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty May 13. The law is effective May 14, 2008, unless otherwise noted.

Included in the new law are provisions that:

• permit paid leave for state employees to donate blood, effective Aug. 1, 2008;

• form a subcommittee on government accountability;

• require performance measures to be used to increase funding in the state budget;

• put in statute the proper procedure for the sale of surplus state lands;

• require the convening of a working group for Minnesota Milestones process and indicators; and

• define “gambling device.”

HF3494*/SF3190/CH318

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