Employer misrepresentation and misconduct penalties increased.

HF 2145 increases penalties for Minnesota employers who commit specific misconduct related to unemployment benefits. It amends statutes to set penalties at the greater of $500 or 100% of the financial harm caused - such as overpaid benefits, unpaid benefits, or unpaid employer taxes - when employers make false statements, fail to disclose material facts, or collude with applicants to fraudulently obtain benefits. Employers who misclassify employees as independent contractors (instead of employees) face an additional $10,000 penalty per misclassified worker. The bill directly affects employers who engage in these violations, making penalties stricter and more directly tied to the financial impact of their actions.