This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes concerning the paid leave program, particularly focusing on definitions and eligibility criteria for employees and employers. A significant change is the introduction of a new definition for "small employer," defined as an employer with 15 or fewer employees. Employees of small employers will not be automatically included in the paid leave program unless they choose to opt in. Additionally, the definition of "employee" is modified to exclude those working for small employers unless they elect coverage. The definition of "family member" is also revised, removing siblings and adding a provision for a designated individual who relies on the applicant for care.

Furthermore, the bill updates the benefit structure, allowing a maximum of 12 weeks of benefits in a single benefit year, with an additional two weeks for serious health conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth. It establishes new requirements for private plans providing medical and family benefits to ensure they meet or exceed public program standards. The bill also clarifies premium payments and benefits for self-employed individuals, specifying that they must pay an annual premium based on their self-employment premium base or taxable wages, whichever is lower. Additionally, it outlines the process for adjusting annual premium rates to maintain a projected fund balance of at least 25 percent, requiring annual actuarial studies by a qualified independent consultant. The effective dates for these changes vary, with some provisions taking effect immediately and others set for future dates, including July 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 268B.01, 268B.04, 268B.10, 268B.11, 268B.14