This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes related to the paid leave program, specifically addressing definitions and requirements for employees and employers. Notably, it introduces a new definition for "small employer," which is defined as an employer with 15 or fewer employees. Additionally, the bill clarifies that employees of small employers are not included in the definition of "employee" for the purposes of the paid leave program. It also modifies the definition of "seasonal employee" by removing specific references to the hospitality industry and streamlining the criteria for classification.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for private plans providing medical and family benefits, allowing for shorter durations of leave if the total dollar value of wage replacement benefits meets or exceeds that of the public program. It adjusts the premium rate cap from 1.2 to one and changes the start date for family and medical benefits from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027. The bill mandates that the commissioner of commerce must approve private plans based on specific criteria to ensure they meet or exceed the standards set by the public program.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 268B.01, 268B.10, 268B.14