On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation that would allow many small businesses to safely resume operations. The bill, Senate File 4511, provides a framework for businesses to return to the workplace and safely resume operations if they follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines.

“We are in this together and ready to share the responsibility of opening up safely,” said Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo). “We can get productive, law-abiding citizens back to work by following recommendations and guidance from leading health experts. It’s about balance, and I am confident that the people of Minnesota will do everything they can to keep their employees and customers safe when they reopen.”

The legislation would allow businesses that are closed to occupancy by members of the public to resume operations if the business abides by workplace safety recommendations and guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The bill would take effect the day following its enactment.

The legislation awaits a hearing by the House of Representatives.