This bill, S.F. No. 2466, proposes modifications to the Minnesota Paid Leave Law by amending several sections of the Minnesota Statutes 2024. Below are the key changes:

1. Definition of Covered Employment:

   • Clarifies that covered employment applies to employees working 50% or more of their time in Minnesota.
   • Excludes seasonal employees, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement as of January 1, 2026, unless explicitly included in a successor agreement.
   • Allows exempt entities to opt into coverage through procedures set by the commissioner.

2. Expansion of Family Member Definition:

   • Expands the definition of family member for leave eligibility to include individuals with a personal relationship with the applicant, where there is an expectation of care without compensation.

3. Changes to Seasonal Employee Classification:

   • Increases the maximum employment duration for seasonal workers from 150 to 180 days.
   • Requires employers to apply for seasonal status classification and report any status changes to the department within five business days.

4. Private Administration Option:

   • Grants the commissioner the authority to contract with a private company to handle:
     • Benefit applications,
     • Eligibility determinations,
     • Payments,
     • Withholding of taxes and child support.

5. Weekly Benefit Calculation Adjustments:

   • Sets benefit calculations based on 67% of the highest quarter of wages.
   • Updates the maximum weekly benefit based on the state's average weekly wage.
   • Specifies that benefits are prorated when:
     • The applicant works during leave,
     • Uses paid leave (that is not a supplemental benefit),
     • Takes leave intermittently.

These amendments aim to refine the Minnesota Paid Leave Law by narrowing eligibility for seasonal and unionized employees, expanding family member definitions, and allowing for private administration of benefits.