New Laws Take Effect Across Minnesota

(KNSI) — Several new laws took effect across Minnesota on Wednesday.

The biggest change is the state’s new paid family and medical leave program. Minnesota becomes the 13th state to offer paid leave, guaranteeing up to 12 weeks off for serious health issues or to care for loved ones, plus up to 12 weeks for new parents. Workers can take a maximum of 20 weeks in a calendar year if both situations apply.

The program pays between 55% and 90% of a worker’s normal paycheck, depending on income. It’s funded by a payroll tax of 0.88%. The state expects about 130,000 Minnesotans per year to use the benefit. The Department of Employment and Economic Development says 12,000 applications had already been submitted as of last Friday.

In other changes, absentee ballot applications now require more information. Anyone applying online will need to provide both the last four digits of their Social Security number and their Minnesota driver’s license or state ID number. Previously, only one was required, though voters can still certify they don’t have one of those numbers to apply.

Workers also have more defined break rights. Employers must now give a 15-minute rest break for every four consecutive hours worked, and a 30-minute meal break for every six consecutive hours.
Hunters in southern Minnesota will see changes too. The shotgun zone that restricted weapon types is going away, allowing hunters to use all legal firearms for deer hunting during the season.

The state is also cracking down on workers’ compensation fraud in the construction industry and increasing protections for vulnerable adults against financial exploitation.

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