HF4110

Purpose

To adjust Minnesota labor rules so certain workers can be exempt from some rest break and meal break requirements in specific situations. The bill keeps basic protections by requiring access to a restroom and a meal during working hours, even when an exemption applies.

Main Provisions

• Rest break exemptions (Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 177.253, added Subdivision 4a):
  • Exemption applies when:
  • The employee is the only worker at that time and location and is performing a service that protects or sustains life.
  • The employee is the only worker at that time and location and is working with a vulnerable adult (as defined by law).
  • The employee is working during an emergency response.
  • Even if an exemption applies, the employee must still be allowed time to use the restroom while working.
• Meal break exemptions (Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 177.254, added Subdivision 5):
  • Exemption applies in the same three situations listed above (life-sustaining service, working with a vulnerable adult, emergency response).
  • Even if an exemption applies, the employee must still be allowed time to eat a meal while working.

What Changes Compared to Current Law

• Adds explicit exemptions to the general rest break and meal break rules when the worker is the sole employee at the site during life-sustaining work, care of a vulnerable adult, or an emergency response.
• Maintains fundamental worker protections by guaranteeing restroom access and meal time during the shift, even when exemptions apply.

Potential Implications

• For workers in solo-service roles, health care, elder care, or emergency response, this could change how often breaks are taken, depending on location and timing.
• Employers must still ensure access to a restroom and meal opportunities, even in exempt situations.

Definitions and References Brought Up by the Bill

• Rest break
• Meal break
• Exemption
• Only employee working
• Life-sustaining service
• Vulnerable adult (as defined by statute)
• Emergency response

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Relevant Terms - rest break - meal break - exemptions - only employee working - life-sustaining service - vulnerable adult - emergency response - time to use the restroom - time to eat a meal - Minnesota Statutes 177.253 - Minnesota Statutes 177.254