SF2605

SF2605 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Earned sick and safe time modification

Related bill: HF1325

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill:

The bill aims to modify the existing laws in Minnesota concerning earned sick and safe time for employees. It seeks to provide clarity around the accrual and use of this leave, update the notification requirements, and allow for a penalty waiver period for initial violations of the mandate.

Main Provisions:

Penalty Waiver: No monetary penalties will be imposed for initial violations of earned sick and safe time requirements until after January 1, 2026.
Accrual and Usage: Employees will accrue one hour of sick and safe time for every 40 hours worked. The maximum accrual limit is set to 48 hours per year, and employees can carry over unused time into the next year up to a total of 80 hours.
Variations for Small Employers: Employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees can pay at half the hourly rate, and new businesses have an initial 12-month period during which they are not required to provide paid sick and safe time.
Employee Definition: Includes temporary and part-time employees anticipated to work at least 80 hours a year but excludes minors under 18, farm employees working less than 28 days a year, and individuals in certain other roles.
Family Member Definition: Expanded to include those related by blood or whose close association equates to a family relationship, allowing employees to designate one individual annually as a family member.
Notice and Documentation Requirements: Employers may require reasonable notice for foreseeable leave and must establish a written policy for notifying the employer of leave usage. Documentation requirements for using this time have been clarified.

Significant Changes to Existing Law:

Changes the definition of an employee and family member for the purposes of sick and safe time.
Adjusts the accrual method and conditions for carrying over unused earned sick and safe time.
Establishes new employer requirements for notice and documentation without mandatory penalties until 2026.

Relevant Terms:

earned sick and safe time, penalty waiver, accrual, temporary and part-time employees, family member, advance notice, documentation requirements, monetary penalty

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 16, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 16, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Labor

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification of employment exclusions for volunteer ambulance attendants."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies employment exclusions regarding volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel, referencing definitions in section 144E.001.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands exclusion to align with current definitions of ambulance service personnel."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "144E.001"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Paid sick time rate alignment with section 177.24."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the minimum base rate for paid sick time to not be less than section 177.24 or applicable local minimum wage.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensure paid sick time complies with minimum wage standards."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "177.24"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Expanded exclusions for certain family-run agricultural work and minors."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill makes amendments to employee definitions and requirements under section 181.9445.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified requirements for part-time and seasonal workers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "181.9445"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provisions for reasonable documentation include employee statement allowances."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill alters requirements for notice and documentation under section 181.9447.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusted notice and documentation requirements for earned sick and safe time."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "181.9447"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced as a boundary for earned sick and safe time provisions within the bill.",
      "modified": [
        "Referencing current regulation boundaries for sick and safe time usage."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "181.9448"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Reference to federal exemptions affecting sick time accruals."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill incorporates federal overtime exemptions in calculating sick and safe time.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies accrual based on federal exemption standards."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "29 U.S. Code Section 213(a)(1)"
  }
]