Bill > HF2990

This bill modifies Minnesota's mandatory break laws for employees, making several key changes. For rest breaks, employers must now provide employees with at least 15 minutes away from work duties within each four-consecutive-hour work period, which can be used to use the restroom or be relieved from work. The bill reduces the consecutive hours requirement for meal breaks from eight to six hours, mandating at least a 30-minute meal break. If employers fail to provide these required breaks, they can face significant financial penalties: employees would be entitled to compensation for the missed break time at their regular rate, plus an equal amount as liquidated damages. Additionally, the state commissioner can assess a penalty of up to $1,000 per employee per day for break violations. The bill does not require employers to pay employees during meal breaks, with one potential exception. These changes aim to strengthen worker protections by ensuring more consistent and guaranteed break times across various work environments, with meaningful consequences for non-compliance.

Justice, Labor and Employment

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2990&ssn=0&y=2025