Under Minnesota’s Paid Leave Law (PLL) that goes into effect in January 2026, employers must provide covered employees up to 20 weeks of leave to care for themselves and their family members with paid leave benefits available through the Minnesota Paid Leave Program.

Although the PLL was passed on May 25, 2023, employees will not be able to access paid leave benefits until January 1, 2026. In the interim, legislators and agency personnel are working to answer questions and fill information gaps.

Three important recent developments concerning the PLL include: (1) new guidance from Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED) for employees and employers, (2) amendments to the PLL signed into law by Governor Tim Walz on May 24, 2024, which allow for increases to payroll taxes to implement the PLL and (3) amendments which provide a comprehensive scheme for appeals and calculating benefit amounts, among other changes.

Learn more here.

Photo of Gina K. Janeiro Gina K. Janeiro

Gina K. Janeiro is office managing principal of the Minneapolis, Minnesota, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Gina practices in all aspects of employment law and advises and represents clients in the areas of discrimination and harassment, disability management, employment contracts, wage and hour…

Gina K. Janeiro is office managing principal of the Minneapolis, Minnesota, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Gina practices in all aspects of employment law and advises and represents clients in the areas of discrimination and harassment, disability management, employment contracts, wage and hour compliance, commission claims, noncompetition litigation, drug testing law, defamation, whistleblower and in closely-held corporation and partnership disputes.

Photo of Kaylyn R. Stanek Kaylyn R. Stanek

Kaylyn Stanek is an associate in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She represents management in employment litigation and advises clients on all aspects of the employer-employee relationship. Her goal with every client is to provide practical and straightforward advice.