Minnesota's statewide Earned Sick and Safe Time law at Minn. Stat. 181.9445 took effect January 2024, requiring all Hennepin County employers to provide paid sick leave, with stricter Minneapolis and Saint Paul rules.
Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time statute at Minn. Stat. 181.9445 requires every employer with at least one employee in the state to provide one hour of paid leave per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year. It took effect January 1, 2024, and covers Hennepin County employers regardless of city. Minneapolis and Saint Paul also operate older sick-and-safe-time ordinances with overlapping but slightly stricter rules, including a 6 employee threshold for paid leave in Minneapolis. Employers must provide notice on paystubs and may not retaliate. Beginning 2026, the state Paid Family and Medical Leave program adds additional benefits.
Failing to accrue or allow ESST use brings back-wage liability, double damages, civil penalties, and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry enforcement actions.
See how Hennepin County's paid leave preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.