Family medical leave update passes House

The Minnesota House of Representatives passed an update to the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Law, which is authored by Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope), on a 69-34 vote,

HF 5363 follows up on the recommendations in the actuarial analysis and includes some changes in definitions. The new bill passed in the House clarifies the different types of leave, exclusions for independent contractors and seasonal employees, and maximum weeks of leave in a year. It includes lower premiums for small employers and a formula for future premium rates based on benefits paid out.

“At the core of this bill, we are recognizing the humanity of Minnesota workers,” Frazier said. “Creating a statewide family and medical leave safety net for families and workers is critical for our overall workforce development, retention, and economy. ... I am proud of this bill because it means working families no longer will need to face the impossible choice between their paycheck and the well-being of their loved ones.”

Last year, a law created Minnesota’s Paid Family & Medical Leave program. The law authorizes Minnesota workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to bond with a newborn child, for the worker’s own serious health condition, or the serious health condition of a family member. The law established eligibility requirements, an application process, benefit amounts, premiums paid by employers and employees, and an opportunity for employers to opt out with their own private plan. The program will become operational and workers can start receiving benefits on January 1, 2026.

Learn more about this bill at bit.ly/HF5363.

Sen. Alice Mann (DFL-Edina) authored the companion bill SF5430 in the Senate.