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Employment Preemption

Employment Preemption in Saint Paul, MN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Saint Paul or are thinking about moving there, employment preemption are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Saint Paul has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of employment preemption, and some of them might surprise you.

Saint Paul's 2017 Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance predates Minnesota's 2024 statewide law and remains in force where it offers stronger protections, requiring all employers to provide accrued paid leave.

Key details: Effective: July 2017. Accrual: 1 hour per 30. Annual cap: 48 hours. MN statewide: January 2024. Code: Title VIII Ch. 233.

HREEO can order back pay, double damages for retaliation, civil fines up to $1,500 per violation, and posting and recordkeeping mandates with multi-year lookback for serial offenders.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Saint Paul actively enforces its paid leave preemption requirements.

Minimum Wage Preemption

Saint Paul's $15 minimum wage, fully phased in by July 2024 with annual inflation indexing thereafter, applies to all work performed in the city and exceeds Minnesota's lower state-level minimum wage rates.

Key details: City wage: $15 plus indexing. MN state wage: Roughly $11 large. Code chapter: Title VIII Ch. 224. Final phase-in: July 2027 micro. Geographic coverage: Work in city limits.

Wage-theft penalties include unpaid wages, liquidated damages equal to wages owed, civil penalties up to $1,000, and HREEO enforcement actions including injunctive relief.

Compared to other cities, Saint Paul takes a harder line on minimum wage preemption. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Saint Paul is tougher than many cities when it comes to employment preemption. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Saint Paul, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Saint Paul's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.