On May 24, 2023, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law a sweeping omnibus jobs and economic development and labor funding bill that will invest $500 million in a fund to match federal investments in infrastructure and large-scale development projects. This bill also fundamentally changes several areas of Minnesota employment
Articles About Minnesota Labor and Employment Law.
Minnesota Legislature Passes Significant Employee Leave Laws
Minnesota is now the 12th state to adopt a statewide program providing compensation to employees during family and medical leaves. It also joined the over 40 state and local jurisdictions mandating employer paid sick leave. Eligible Minnesota employees will be entitled to up to 48 hours of paid sick and
Minnesota Establishes State-Sponsored ‘Secure Choice’ Retirement Program for Private-Sector Employers Without Retirement Plans
On May 19, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed into law House File No. 782, establishing the Minnesota Secure Choice retirement program. Minnesota has now joined California, Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, and other states in creating a state-run retirement savings program for employees working with small employers without their own retirement plans.
Minnesota Legislature Passes New Recreational Marijuana Bill
The Minnesota Legislature sent a recreational marijuana bill, House File 100, to Governor Tim Walz’s desk for his signature. Subject to various restrictions, the bill, allows individuals twenty-one years old and older to possess and transport various levels of cannabis products, consume cannabis in private/public areas, and grow it. Governor
Minnesota Legislature Moves Omnibus Jobs and Economic Development Bill Forward
On May 17, 2023, the Minnesota state legislature passed an omnibus jobs and economic development and labor funding bill that could have serious implications for employers in the state, including a ban on noncompete clauses, paid sick leave, pregnancy and nursing accommodations, and sweeping worker safety protections. The bill is
Minnesota Lawmakers Pass Prospective Ban on Noncompete Provisions in Employment
Minnesota is set to ban noncompete provisions in employment contracts as part of a new omnibus bill headed to Governor Tim Walz’s desk. The bill will have a significant impact on Minnesota employers by banning true employment noncompete provisions entered into on or after July 1, 2023, but this bill
Big Changes to Minnesota’s Employment Laws Are Coming Soon
Omnibus jobs bill expected to be signed into law will entitle covered Minnesota employees to earned sick and safe leave, expand parental leave, ban non-compete agreements and mandatory employer-sponsored meetings, and increase protections for pregnancy and lactation. Many new entitlements will take effect on July 1, 2023.
Minnesota Passes State-Wide Earned Sick and Safe Leave Law
Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Leave Law will entitle covered employees to earn up to 48 hours of paid leave for a variety of purposes per year. The new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2024, will not preempt local paid sick leave ordinances.
Minnesota to Ban Non-Compete Agreements Other Than Related to Sale, Dissolution of Business
Minnesota is close to enacting a near-total bar on the use of covenants not to compete. The Minnesota Legislature released a Conference Committee Report on the bill (MN SF 3035), which reflects the bill’s likely final form, on May 16, 2023.
As Minnesota Nears Broad Marijuana Legalization, Employers Should Anticipate Testing, Policy Changes
Minnesota is expected to become the latest state to legalize recreational cannabis use. The legislative proposal in its current form would necessitate changes to employer drug-testing practices and policies. The bill would also limit adverse employment decisions based on off-duty cannabis use.
Minnesota Is Poised to Enact a Law Banning Virtually All Non-Compete Agreements
Bill advancing in Minnesota would ban most non-compete agreements between employers and employees or independent contractors. Non-solicitation and confidentiality non-disclosure agreements would still be permissible. If enacted, the sweeping ban would take effect July 1, 2023, but would not be retroactive.
Bloomington Clarifies Requirements Under its Earned Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance
Last year the City of Bloomington, Minnesota became the fourth city in Minnesota to pass an ordinance requiring certain employers provide paid sick and safe leave to eligible employees. The City of Bloomington’s Earned Sick and Safe Leave (ESSL) Ordinance is set to go into effect on July 1, 2023.
Paid Sick and Safe Leave Blooms in Bloomington, MN with Release of Initial Rules
Bloomington employers receive clarification about how they can request documentation to support absences Robust anti-retaliation provisions put the “protected” in protected leave Rules titled “initial,” so additional rules might soon follow
Minnesota Supreme Court Clarifies State Law Standards for ‘Severe or Pervasive’ Harassment and Constructive Discharge
On February 8, 2023, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued its first significant decision interpreting the state’s employment discrimination law, the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), in three years. In a ruling that will likely be hailed as a victory by employees and employers alike, the supreme court clarified the law
Minnesota Enacts the CROWN Act Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Natural Hair
Minnesota has now joined at least 19 other states in enacting a CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” The Act, which in Minnesota has come in the form of brief but important amendments to the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), protects
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