Bill > SF3141

This bill modifies Minnesota's paid leave program in several key ways. It redefines the terms "employee" and "employer" to introduce a new category of "small employer" (defined as an employer with 15 or fewer employees), allowing these small employers to opt into the paid leave program voluntarily. The bill changes the definition of "family member" by removing several relationships like siblings, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law, and adding an option to designate one individual annually who has a personal relationship with the applicant. The legislation also adjusts benefit calculations by removing the highest tier of wage replacement (previously 55% for wages over 100% of the state's average weekly wage) and modifying the maximum length of benefits. Notably, the bill adds two additional weeks of benefits specifically for pregnancy or childbirth-related serious health conditions, bringing the total potential benefits to 14 weeks in a single benefit year. For private plans, the bill allows more flexibility in benefit design, permitting shorter leave durations if the total dollar value of wage replacement meets or exceeds the public program's benefits. The bill also makes technical changes to how self-employed individuals and small employers can elect coverage in the paid leave program. The premium rate is capped at 1% of taxable wages, and the commissioner is required to adjust rates annually based on actuarial principles. Most provisions become effective between July 2025 and January 2026.

Labor and Employment

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF3141&ssn=0&y=2025