Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the existing paid leave program in Minnesota. It seeks to clarify definitions related to employment statuses and update provisions that dictate who is eligible for the paid leave benefits.

Main Provisions

• Definition Adjustments: The bill revises the definition of "employee" in the context of the paid leave program. This clarification specifically excludes various groups from mandatory coverage.

• Exclusions from the Definition of Employee:

  • Employees of the United States government.
  • Self-employed individuals.
  • Independent contractors.
  • Seasonal employees, as specifically defined elsewhere in the statutes.

• Small Employer Clause: The bill stipulates that employees working for small employers are not automatically covered by the paid leave program unless they choose to opt-in. If they do opt-in, their services will then be classified under covered employment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill adds further exclusions to the definition of who is considered an employee for the purposes of the paid leave program, thereby altering the eligibility criteria.
• It allows employees of small employers to individually elect to participate in the program, which was not explicitly detailed in prior law.

Relevant Terms

• Economic development
• Paid leave program
• Employee definition
• Small employers
• Covered employment
• Seasonal employees
• Self-employed individuals
• Independent contractors