The bill amends the Minnesota Statutes concerning the paid leave program, introducing a new definition for "small employer" as one with 15 or fewer employees. It clarifies that employees of small employers are not 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 certain relationships while adding a provision for a designated individual who relies on the applicant for care. The bill sets a limit of 12 total weeks of benefits per benefit year, with an additional two weeks for serious health conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Furthermore, the bill updates provisions regarding premium payments and benefits for self-employed individuals, replacing "self-employed" with "an individual" and requiring annual premium payments based on the lesser of their self-employment premium base or taxable wages. It allows individuals whose small employers do not provide coverage to remit premium payments through payroll deductions. Approved individuals will receive benefits similar to employees, with their weekly benefit amount calculated based on their self-employment premium base. The bill also mandates actuarial studies for adjusting annual premium rates, with effective dates set for various provisions, including July 1, 2025, for premium payment changes and January 1, 2026, for premium rate adjustments.

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