What happened?

On May 24, 2024, Governor Walz signed amendments to the state’s Paid Leave Law (PLL) and its Earned Sick and Safe Time Act (ESST) under H.F. 5247.

What are the details?

Key Bites of Paid Leave Law (PLL)

• Currently known as Family and Medical Leave Benefits, a citation is added so it can be referred to as “Minnesota Paid Leave Law.”
• The definition of “applicant” is amended to include “authorized representative,” which is also defined.
• The base period is standardized to 40 work weeks or more; for applicants under private plans, the credits are standardized to the most recent 4 quarters in which wage credits were earned.
• Funding changes.
• New appeals framework for benefit determination.
• Calculation of benefits changes.
• Retroactive benefits and safe harbor provision introduction.
• Intermittent leave is allowed and employers must grant leave in minimum increments of 1 calendar day.
• Data privacy is introduced making all collected information private (and Article 73, Section 8, HF 5247).
• Notices: if an employee refuses to acknowledge receipt, the employer must be able to prove the way the employee was notified (Effective November 1, 2025).

Since this Bill introduces massive changes, it is highly recommended for employers to review the changes and understand them.

Business Considerations

• Employers should update their policies, practices, and procedures to comply with the amended and new regulations.
• Employers should consider consulting with an attorney due to the complexities and massive changes.
• Although the effective date is January 1, 2026, some provisions take effect beforehand. Employers should prepare to meet those early days to avoid being non-compliant and therefore, possible penalties.

Source References

• H.F. 5247

Resources

• Current FAMILY AND MEDICAL BENEFITS
• Minnesota Employment Legislative Update 2024, Part IV: The Aftermath of Minnesota’s Legislative Circus (Ogletree Deakins)

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