This Minnesota bill proposes modifications to the state's paid leave program. Key changes include:

1. Definitions of Employee and Employer:

   • Excludes seasonal employees and employees of small employers (15 or fewer workers) from the definition of "employee."
   • Excludes small employers from the definition of "employer."

2. Seasonal Employee Criteria Update:

   • Revises the definition of seasonal employees, limiting employment duration to 150 days within a 52-week period and specifying hospitality industry criteria.

3. Private Paid Leave Plans:

   • Establishes requirements for private employer-provided medical and family leave plans.
   • Ensures private plans provide at least equal benefits to state-provided paid leave.
   • Requires private plans to maintain coverage for former employees up to 26 weeks after separation or until new employment is obtained.
   • Allows private plans to offer shorter leave duration if the total wage replacement is equal to or greater than the public program's benefits.

4. Premium Rate Adjustments:

   • Authorizes the Commissioner of Workforce and Economic Development to adjust premium rates annually based on historical data and actuarial principles.
   • Sets a cap on the premium rate at 1.2% of taxable wages.
   • Requires annual actuarial studies and reporting to legislative committees.

5. Implementation Date Change:

   • Delays the start of paid family and medical leave benefits from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.

This bill primarily refines eligibility, employer obligations, and financial structuring of the Minnesota paid leave program while providing options for private plans and adjusting implementation timelines.