Last legislative session addressed paid family leave, wages

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A range of new Minnesota laws that took effect Jan. 1, many of which will benefit employees, will have area employment lawyers on their toes.

“It was an outlier session, both in terms of quality and quantity, when it comes to new employment laws,” said employment lawyer Brian Rochel, partner with Kitzer Rochel in Minneapolis.

At the top of the list is a law enacting paid sick and safe time for employees in Minnesota. The law allows employees access to paid time off if they are sick, caring for a sick family member, or seeking help if they or a family member has experienced sexual assault, stalking or domestic abuse.

Under the law, for every 30 hours worked, an employee earns one hour of sick and safe time. An employee can earn up to 48 hours per year unless an employer agrees to additional hours.

Employees who use sick and safe time get paid the same hourly rate as if they were working. To qualify for sick time, employees cannot be independent contractors and must work at least 80 hours per year for an employer in Minnesota.

“That’s a major issue considering it affects every employee and employer in the state,” said Rochel, who added that a paid sick leave law that goes into effect in 2026 is “very significant as well.” Rochel pointed to pregnancy accommodation is another related issue that might see some changes soon, he added.

Rochel and Sam Kramer, who is of counsel with the Minneapolis...

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