31 May Employment Law Update: Paid Family and Medical Leave & Sick/Safe Time Set to be Signed into Law

Blog written by Blethen Berens, a Greater Mankato Growth Bronze Investor.Important changes impacting Minnesota employers have passed the MN House and MN Senate and are set to be signed by Governor Walz. A brief overview of what you need to know:Paid Family and Medical LeaveThe final version of Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation has been passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate, and Governor Walz has indicated he is ready to sign the bill. The final bill provides annual maximum paid benefits of up to 20 weeks in a year for bonding, family care, medical care related to pregnancy, serious health conditions, qualifying exigencies, or safety leave. Benefits will be available to employees beginning January 1, 2026. The program will be funded with a payroll tax of 0.7%, at least one-half of which will be paid by the employer. The bill also contains definitions of family members, eligible conditions/uses, and how employers can opt out by offering at least an equally generous benefit.