Minnesota—2025 Legislative Session Labor Policy Changes

On June 9, Minnesota’s Job and Labor Omnibus Bill passed via a 96-37 vote by the state Senate. The bill was subsequently signed by Gov. Walz on June 14. Below is a summary of some notable Department of Labor and Industry policy changes included in the bill.

Rest and Meal Breaks

Effective January 1, 2026, the state’s rest break and meal period requirements require employers to allow an employee a paid rest break of 15 minutes (or enough time to use the nearest restroom), whichever is longer, for every four hours worked. Additionally, employers must allow an employee an unpaid meal break of 30 minutes for every six hours worked.

Employers are encouraged to revise or develop break and meal policies that comply with these requirements no later than the effective date.

Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)

ESST is amended as follows:

Effective August 1, 2025

• Notice requirements when the need for ESST is unforeseeable are as reasonably required by the employer. Previously, this was “as soon as practicable.”
• An employer may require reasonable documentation when an employee uses ESST for more than two consecutive scheduled work days (i.e., three or more consecutive work days). Previously, reasonable documentation was permissible when an employee used ESST for more than three consecutive scheduled work days (i.e., four or more consecutive work days).
• Clarification that an employee using ESST may voluntarily seek or trade shifts with a replacement worker. Requiring an employee to find a replacement worker in order to use ESST is still not allowed.

Effective January 1, 2026

• Advancing/frontloading ESST to an employee can be prorated based on anticipated hours worked for the remainder of the year. Any miscalculations must be remedied, however.

Minnesota Paid Leave (MPL)

It is also important to mention that the final rules for MPL were published on June 16, 2025. Employers wishing for a delayed implementation effective date will be disappointed, as MPL was left relatively unchanged by the legislative session. MPL will go into effect on January 1, 2026, as originally planned. The state has been diligent in hosting webinars and posting various updates on the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s website. This website is anticipated to have additional employer resources, such as a sample notification to use ahead of the December 1, 2025, notification deadline.

Lean on MRA for Assistance

If you have any questions regarding these changes, MRA’s experts are just a call away. Contact us for assistance.