Minnesota lawmakers aim to tackle retail violence

Lawmakers in Minnesota on Thursday read through a new bill that would require retailers to have in place anti-violence measures to protect workers.

S.B. 4383, which was referred to the Senate Labor? Committee, states that by Jan. 1, 2025, retail stores “must design and implement a? preparedness and incidence response action plan to acts of violence” that are “specific” to the establishment.

The plan “must include assessment procedures to identify and evaluate? workplace violence hazards for each facility, unit, service, or operation, including? community-based risk factors and areas surrounding the facility, such as employee parking? areas and other outdoor areas,” according to the bill.

Under the proposal, retail stores must? designate a committee of representatives of? workers employed by the retail store, including nonmanagerial workers, consumer safety experts, and other appropriate personnel to develop the action? plan, which must be reviewed and updated annually.