Minnesota employers will see some significant changes to state employment laws come into effect on January 1, 2026. Employers will need to be aware of these changes and should consider changing their written policies to reflect the new laws.
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Starting January 1, employees in the state of Minnesota will be eligible to take paid family and medical leave. Employees will be able to take up to twenty weeks of leave per year to recover from a major medical event, bond with a new child, or care for a family member. During this time, the employer will be paid a reduced wage by the state, rather than the employer. When the employee returns, the employer will generally have to restore the employee to their previous position or a substantially equivalent position.
Rest Time and Meal Breaks
Previously, Minnesota law required employers to provide “adequate” rest time for all employees who work four consecutive hours. This has been clarified to mean fifteen minutes or enough time to use the closest restroom, whichever is longer. This must take place within each block of four consecutive hours, not at the end. This break must be paid, if it is less than twenty minutes.
Similarly, time for meal breaks has been clarified from “adequate” time to at least thirty minutes for all employees who work at least six hours in a day. A meal break may be unpaid if the employee is fully relieved of all duties during the break.
Employers should take this opportunity to review their policies and procedures and make any necessary revisions. The attorneys at SJJ Law are ready to help in any way possible.
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