Minnesota 2025 Legislative Employment Law Updates
December 11, 2025 | Kristin Kingsbury
The 2025 Minnesota legislature amended various employment law statutes. Here are some changes that are important for employers to know: Mandatory Rest Breaks – Amendments to Minn. Stat. § 177.253 subd. 1 and 3: The new rest break statute goes into effect on January 1, 2026, and requires employers to permit employees a rest break of at least 15 minutes or enough time to utilize the nearest convenient restroom, whichever is longer, within each four consecutive hours worked. If the employer does not allow these rest breaks, the employer could be liable for the employee’s rest break time that should have been allowed at the employee’s regular rate, plus an additional equal amount in liquidated damages. Mandatory Meal Breaks – Amendments to Minn. Stat. § 177.254 subd. 1, 2, and 4: Effective January 1, 2026, employees working six or more consecutive hours must be allowed a meal break of at least 30 minutes. If the employer does not allow an employee to take meal breaks, the employer could be liable for the employee’s meal break time that should have been allowed at the employee’s regular rate, plus an additional equal amount in liquidated damages. Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) – Amendments to Minn. Stat. § 181.9447 subd. 2, 3, and 4 and…
Read MoreBarna, Guzy & Steffen, LTD Receives State Breastfeeding-Friendly Recognition
November 26, 2025 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
Barna, Guzy & Steffen, LTD has been named a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for its contributions to the health of parents and their babies. MDH recognizes workplaces and county health departments that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding families by creating a workplace lactation support program. Barna, Guzy & Steffen completed an office remodel in January 2025, and with that created a Wellness Room that provides a welcoming and comfortable space for nursing mothers. Employees have access to all the necessary storage and cleansing equipment needed for the process. Breastfeeding is a foundational way to ensure that babies receive optimal nutrition during the first formative years of life. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have better health outcomes as they grow. MDH recognizes organizations that have taken a leadership role to improve breastfeeding rates and meet Healthy People 2030 goals. The designation acknowledges Barna, Guzy & Steffen’s commitment to acting as a model for the community by supporting healthy families and receiving the business benefits of supporting breastfeeding employees. The designation is achieved by adopting a written policy and educating staff about it; ensuring adequate break time for breastfeeding employees; providing a clean, private place to pump breast milk; and demonstrating a strong commitment to…
Read MorePaid Family and Medical Leave (Minn. Stat. 268B.01, et seq) Summary:
November 25, 2025 | Kristin Kingsbury
The Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) goes into effect January 1, 2026. The Act provides up to 12 weeks paid leave for the employee, up to 12 weeks paid leave for employee’s care/ assistance of family members, and collectively no more than 20 weeks across the two types of leave. PFML applies to all employers regardless of size. Most employees can receive benefits under the leave. To qualify, individuals must have earned at least $2,700 in the last year, about 5.3% of the state’s average annual wage. Leave can be used for medical or family reasons. Medical leave examples (caring for employee): Care of employee for a serious health condition. “Serious health condition” means physical or mental illness, injury, impairment, condition, or substance use disorder. Care of self for a serious condition may involve evaluation, inpatient care, recovery, or not being able to perform regular work. This can include childbirth, conditions related to pregnancy, or surgery. Family leave examples (i.e., caring for others): Bonding care: To care for and bond with a new child through birth, adoption, or foster placement. Caring leave: To care for a family member with a serious health condition. Military family leave: To support a family member called to active duty. Safety leave: To respond to issues such…
Read More