The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 181.9445, to make employer participation in earned sick and safe time benefits permissive rather than mandatory. In subdivision 5, the definition of "Employee" is expanded to include temporary and part-time employees, but only if the employer chooses to provide benefits under the specified sections. Additionally, the bill clarifies that certain individuals, such as independent contractors, volunteer firefighters, and those employed by farmers for limited periods, are excluded from this definition.

In subdivision 6, the definition of "Employer" is also modified to reflect that it includes any person with one or more employees, but only if they choose to provide benefits under the relevant sections. This change emphasizes the permissive nature of the benefits, allowing employers more discretion in deciding whether to offer earned sick and safe time benefits to their employees. The bill aims to provide flexibility for employers while still recognizing the need for employee benefits in certain circumstances.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 181.9445