St. Paul, MN – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed an update to the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave Law on a 69-34 vote. The legislation authored by Representative Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) follows up on the recommendations in the actuarial analysis and provides technical including some changes in definitions.
“At the core of this bill, we are recognizing the humanity of Minnesota workers,” said Rep. Frazier. “Creating a statewide family and medical leave safety net for families and workers is critical for our overall workforce development, retention, and economy. We have done an incredible amount of work to ensure the Paid Family and Medical Leave program encompasses a diverse range of voices and perspectives and works effectively for Minnesotans.
"We know that at some point in most people's working lives, they will need extended paid time to care for their family or themselves. I am proud of this bill because it means working families no longer will need to face the impossible choice between their paycheck and the well-being of their loved ones.”
During the 2023 legislative session, the law creating a Paid Family & Medical Leave program in Minnesota finally made it across the finish line. The law authorizes Minnesota workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to bond with a newborn child, for the worker’s own serious health condition, or the serious health condition of a family member. The new law establishes eligibility requirements, an application process, benefit amounts, premiums paid by employers and employees, and an opportunity for employers to opt out with their own private plan. The PFML program will become operational, and workers can start receiving benefits on January 1, 2026.
The bill the House passed today clarifies the different types of leave, exclusions for independent contractors and seasonal employees, and maximum weeks of leave in a year. It includes lower premiums for small employers and a formula for future premium rates based on benefits paid out.
For more information on the bill, see the following resources:
[Bill Language]
[Research Summary]
[Ways & Means Committee Discussion]
Video of the House Floor session can be found on the House Info YouTube Page.
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