What happened?

On May 17, 2024, Governor Walz signed SF 3852 / HF 3947 into law, which includes a wide range of new employment-related requirements. In this case, Minnesota Pregnancy and Parental Leave.

What are the details?

Key Bites for Employers:

• Employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.

• The 12-week leave period will not be reduced by any leave taken for prenatal care medical appointments.

• This implies that an individual may potentially use more than 12 weeks of protected leave for pregnancy-related medical appointments and post-birth childcare.

• Employers are required to maintain the employee’s coverage under any group insurance policy, group subscriber contract, or healthcare plan for the employee and any dependents during the leave period.

• Employees must continue to pay their share of the premium for these benefits.

• The law aims to provide better support and protection for employees during their parental leave.

• This change is particularly significant for small employers previously covered only by Minnesota law, which did not require such provisions.

Business Considerations

• Employers should update their policies promptly to comply with the new requirements
• Employers should ensure that they maintain the employee’s coverage under any group insurance policy, group subscriber contract, or healthcare plan for the employee and any dependents during the leave period.
• Employers should continue to require employees to pay their share of the premium for these benefits during their leave.
• Employers should train their HR team and managers on the new requirements and their implications.
• Employers should keep accurate records of employee leaves to ensure compliance.
• Small employers should pay special attention to these changes since they will have to make the greatest adjustments in a short amount of time.
• Employers should consider consulting with a legal professional to ensure full compliance with the new requirements and to address any specific issues or concerns related to their business, especially small employers.

Source References

• MN SF 3852 / HF 3947

Resources

• MN L&I PREGNANT WORKERS AND NEW PARENTS
• MN L&I PREGNANCY AND PARENTAL LEAVE, FMLA
• MN DEED Paid Leave

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