Minnesota Paid Leave and Earned Sick Time Laws

Effective January 2024, Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law requires employers to provide one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked, capped at 48 hours per year, for personal or family illness, safety needs, and related purposes. Cities like Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, and Bloomington maintain their own ordinances with provisions that may exceed the state floor. Separately, Minn. Stat. ch. 268B establishes a state Paid Family and Medical Leave program funded by payroll premiums, with benefits beginning January 1, 2026.

Employers denying ESST may face wage theft remedies, civil penalties, and Department of Labor and Industry orders under chapter 177 enforcement provisions.