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.

The bill further updates the benefit structure, capping the total benefits at 12 weeks per benefit year, with an additional two weeks available for serious health conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth. It clarifies premium payment requirements for individuals, including those who are self-employed, and allows individuals whose small employers do not provide coverage to remit premium payments through payroll deductions. The bill also ensures that benefits for approved individuals are equivalent to those of employees, with weekly benefits calculated based on their self-employment premium base. Effective dates for various provisions are set for July 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026, for specific changes related to premium rates.

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