In Short
The Development: On January 1, 2026, the Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave statute ("Minnesota Paid Leave") becomes effective, meaning Minnesota joins a growing number of states with paid leave programs. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry intends to adopt proposed rules governing the Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time statute ("ESST").
The Result: Nearly all Minnesota employees will be eligible for Minnesota Paid Leave in 2026 and additional protections under Minnesota's ESST statute.
Looking Ahead: Employers should confirm compliance with Minnesota Paid Leave and ESST before the beginning of the new year.
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Beginning January 1, 2026, Minnesota will provide Minnesota Paid Leave to employees for up to 12 weeks for the employee's own serious health condition, caring for a family member or new child, and certain military or personal safety issues (or up to 20 weeks in total, for both family and medical leave). Minnesota employers must comply with the law, with limited exceptions. Minnesota Paid Leave will be paid directly to employees by the state, funded by taxes on wages that are paid by both the employer and employees.
Notice Requirements. By December 1, 2025, employers must inform workers about the new Minnesota Paid Leave law by displaying a poster and individually notifying employees. The notice must be provided to employees in their primary language and employees must acknowledge receipt.
A sample...
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