Bakeberg Bill Giving Local Governments More Insurance Flexibility Signed Into Law

St. Paul — Legislation authored by Representative Ben Bakeberg, R-Jordan, to give towns, watershed districts, and watershed management organizations more flexibility in providing employee health benefits has been signed into law by Governor Tim Walz.

The new law allows these local government entities to self-insure or jointly self-insure for certain employee health benefits, giving them access to the same cost-saving tools already available to cities, counties, and school districts.

“This is a practical bill that gives local governments another tool to manage costs and take care of their employees,” Bakeberg said. “When towns and watershed districts have more flexibility, they can make better decisions for their communities and taxpayers.”

This bill passed in both chambers and was signed into law by the governor. Bakeberg’s House File 3571 and its Senate companion File SF 3887 can be viewed using the hyperlinked text.