1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to public employment;amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 174.02, 
1.3 	by adding a subdivision.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 174.02, is amended by adding a subdivision 
1.6 	to read:
1.7 		Subd. 2b.Transportation employee ombudsperson. (a) The commissioner must appoint 
1.8 	a person to the position of transportation employee ombudsperson. The transportation 
1.9 	employee ombudsperson reports directly to the commissioner. The ombudsperson must be 
1.10 	selected without regard to political affiliation and must be qualified to perform the duties 
1.11 	specified in this subdivision.
1.12 	(b) Powers and duties of the transportation employee ombudsperson include, but are not 
1.13 	limited to:
1.14 	(1) providing a neutral, independent resource for dispute and issue resolution between 
1.15 	the department and its employees where another mechanism or forum is not available;
1.16 	(2) gathering information about management best practices, policies, and strategies; and
1.17 	(3) acting as a liaison between employees and management on issues including morale, 
1.18 	best practices, and policies.