New laws in Minnesota will change how employers need to handle parental leave, tips, and recordkeeping. Most of the changes were part of the state’s omnibus bill for 2024 and are set to take effect on August 1, 2024.
Articles About Minnesota Labor and Employment Law.
Minnesota Now Recognizes Claims for Negligent Selection of Independent Contractors
Companies in Minnesota that work with independent contractors should be aware of a new legal risk. In Alonzo v. Menholt,1 the Minnesota Supreme Court recognized a claim for the negligent selection of an independent contractor. Companies operating in Minnesota might be held responsible for inadequately screening their independent contractors or their
Minnesota Ban on Staffing Agency Nonsolicitation Provisions to Take Effect July 1, 2024
A new Minnesota law taking effect on July 1, 2024, will ban the use of nonsolicitation agreements by staffing agencies and other service providers to prevent their customers, orthe companies that contract for the staffing agency’s services, from soliciting or hiring the staffing agency’s employees who provide the contracted temporary
Minnesota Employment Legislative Update 2024, Part IV: The Aftermath of Minnesota’s Legislative Circus
May 20, 2024, marked the end of the legislative session for yet another historic and busy year for Minnesota’s legislature. Amidst endless shouting, a sprawling 1,400-plus-page omnibus bill, and ethical complaints, the aftermath of the legislative session’s chaotic end left Minnesotans in a frenzy, deciphering which specific bills passed.
More Changes to Minnesota’s Employment Laws are Imminent
Minnesota enacted an omnibus bill that includes a host of new labor and employment law changes. Provisions of the bill address pay transparency, earned sick and safe time and paid family leave, independent contractor classification, pregnancy leave rights, drug testing, non-solicitation agreements, minimum wage and tip laws, among others.
Minnesota’s Paid Leave Law: New Guidance, Higher Payroll Taxes, Amendments
Under Minnesota’s Paid Leave Law (PLL) that goes into effect in January 2026, employers must provide covered employees up to 20 weeks of leave to care for themselves and their family members with paid leave benefits available through the Minnesota Paid Leave Program.
Minnesota Amends its Earned Sick and Safe Time Act and Paid Family Leave Law
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed bills amending the Earned Sick and Safe Time Act and the Paid Family Leave Law. Many of amendments provide new and expanded definitions of terms. Other amendments create new penalties and appeals procedures. Rates of pay and premium rates are also addressed.
Minnesota’s Latest Legislative Session Update
Minnesota’s legislature was busy providing new rules and obligations for employers. In addition to the changes in the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), Paid Family and Medical Leave, and pay transparency laws (which we discuss in separate articles), there were more amendments and additions employers should be aware of.
Minnesota’s Human Rights Act Amended
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bill significantly amending the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) on May 15, 2024. The MHRA, otherwise known as Minnesota’s anti-discrimination statute, already prohibited discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, familial status, and age.
Effective July 1, Minnesota Employers Face Increased Scrutiny and Possible Liability for Using Independent Contractors Versus Employees
Governor Tim Walz has signed into law significant changes to Minnesota’s independent contractor and employment laws. Effective July 1, all employers, as well as their owners, risk significantly increased penalties for misclassifying employees as independent contractors. Construction industry employers, however, should be especially vigilant in ensuring their independent contractors are
Minnesota Legislative Update 2024, Part III: Entering the Homestretch—Legislators’ Time to Make It or Break It
In the homestretch of Minnesota’s 2024 legislative session, tension has mounted in St. Paul as state House and Senate committees scramble to secure enough votes to place their bills on Governor Tim Walz’s desk for signature. With multiple bills in play, legislators continue to engage in strategic omnibus bundling to
Minnesota Legislative Update 2024, Part II: Don’t Miss the Omnibus—Legislators’ Last Chance to Pass Employment Law Bills
As the Minnesota Legislature enters the latter half of its 2023–2024 legislative session, the pressure is on to meet critical deadlines before adjournment on May 20, 2024. House and Senate committees are racing against the clock to push bills through for consideration by the April 19 deadline. With the fate
Minnesota Legislative Update 2024: Employment Law Bills Cover ESST, Human Rights Act, Pay Disclosure, and Restrictive Covenants
The Minnesota Legislature is back in session and actively addressing employment law legislation in several pending bills following a very busy 2023–2024 session last year. The legislature kicked off its 2024 regular session with a slew of employment-related bills presenting both opportunities and challenges for employers. Here is a preview
Guidance Interpreting Minnesota’s New Earned Sick and Safe Time Law
Minnesota’s statewide paid sick and safe leave mandate, the Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law, went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has posted answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Guide) that it revised on Dec. 4, 2023.
MNDOLI Issues Guidance on Minnesota Statewide Paid Earned Sick and Safe Time Law
Looking ahead to January 1, 2024, when Minnesota’s statewide paid Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law takes effect, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (MNDOLI) issued guidance in the form of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), a fact sheet, and a video overview of the law to