This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to modify mandatory break laws for employees, specifically addressing rest and meal breaks. It stipulates that employers must allow employees at least 15 minutes away from work duties for rest breaks and at least 30 minutes for meal breaks, reducing the previous requirement of eight hours of work to six hours for meal breaks. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that hold employers liable for not providing these breaks, requiring them to compensate employees for the missed break time at their regular pay rate, along with an equal amount as liquidated damages.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the commissioner to impose penalties of up to $1,000 per employee per day for violations related to the provision of rest and meal breaks. These changes aim to enhance employee rights and ensure compliance with break regulations, thereby promoting better working conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 177.253, 177.254