This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 1849, proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 268B.01, to exempt certain agricultural workers from the Minnesota Paid Leave Law. The key points of the bill include:

1. Exemption of Certain Agricultural Workers:

   • The bill excludes agricultural workers employed by a farmer, family farm, or family farm corporation from the definition of "covered employment" if:
     • The employer has five or fewer employees, or
       
     • The worker is employed for 28 days or fewer per year.
       
   • Such exemptions apply to definitions of:
     • "Covered employment" (Subdivision 15),
     • "Employee" (Subdivision 17), and
       
     • "Employer" (Subdivision 18).

2. Opt-In Provision:

   • Employers who are excluded under this bill may choose to opt in to the Minnesota Paid Leave program following a process determined by the state's commissioner.

3. Rulemaking Authority:

   • The commissioner is authorized to adopt rules to clarify how these exemptions apply.

Purpose:

The bill is intended to reduce regulatory and financial burdens on small-scale agricultural operations by exempting them from providing paid leave benefits under the Minnesota Paid Leave Law, unless they voluntarily opt in.

This bill was introduced on February 24, 2025, and referred to the Jobs and Economic Development Committee for further consideration.