Employee definition modified for purposes of earned sick and safe time.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Anderson and 8 co-sponsors

HF 1057 redefines who counts as an “employee” for Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time, changing who qualifies for paid leave benefits.

Author added Bennett

#employmentandeconomicdevelopmentdepartment

Overview

HF 1057 aims to modify the definition of “employee” for the purposes of Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time policy. By refining who is covered, the bill determines which workers are eligible to accrue and use paid sick and safe time benefits. The measure has multiple co-sponsors and was introduced in the 2025-2026 session, with initial referral to the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy committee.

Purpose and Intent

To clarify and potentially broaden or narrow the class of workers who qualify as “employees” under Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time laws.

To ensure the earned sick and safe time benefits apply to the appropriate individuals, aligning coverage with the policy goals of paid leave protections.

Key Provisions (highlights)

Redefinition of “employee” specifically for the earned sick and safe time program. While the bill text is not provided here, typical changes in such measures may include:

Reclassifying certain workers (e.g., interns, temporary workers, independent contractors, or certain contractors) under or outside the employee category.
Adjusting thresholds or conditions that determine coverage (e.g., minimum hours worked, type of employer, or duration of employment).
Aligning with other state or federal definitions to reduce ambiguity and enforcement issues.

Implications for accrual, use, and eligibility of earned sick and safe time:

If more workers are deemed employees, they would gain access to paid sick and safe time benefits.
If narrower, some workers might lose or be excluded from benefits under the program.

Administrative and enforcement considerations:

Possible updates to reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance obligations for employers.

Who Would Be Affected

Employers: Those subject to Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time statute and the updated employee class definitions.

Workers: Employees who fall under the redefined category would gain or adjust eligibility for earned sick and safe time.

State agencies: Potential need for rulemaking or guidance to implement the revised definition and ensure consistent application.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and First Reading: HF 1057 was introduced and referred to the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy committee on February 17, 2025.

Sponsorship: The bill has several co-sponsors, indicating support from multiple members across party lines (as listed).

Next steps (typical for such bills):

Committee hearing and potential amendments.
Passage by the committee and subsequent floor votes in the House.
If advanced, transmission to the Senate and similar consideration there, followed by conference if needed.
Enactment contingent on approval by both chambers and the governor.

Important Considerations

Specific language in the bill is essential to determine the exact scope of the redefinition (which categories of workers are included or excluded, any transitional provisions, and effective dates).

Impacts on employers’ administrative processes, payroll systems, and compliance costs.

Interaction with existing earned sick and safe time provisions (e.g., accrual rates, permitted uses, carryover, and caps).

If you have access to the full text of HF 1057 or want a more detailed analysis against the current Minnesota statute, I can provide a line-by-line comparison and a more precise impact assessment.

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