A bill moving through the Minnesota legislature would require employers to offer one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked. Workers could earn up to 48 hours a year and carry over up to 80 unused hours from year to year.
Representative Liz Olson says 16 states have adopted similar policies. She said the employer cost would be 0.75% of the cost of labor.
The bill would cover employees working at least 80 hours in a year for an employer. The earned sick and safe time would accrue immediately and could be used after working 90 days.
Republicans feel the proposed legislation would be harmful to business – particularly small businesses. Employers would not be required to pay earned sick and safe time upon separation.
The bill was passed 69-62 by the House and sent to the Senate.
Eligible uses for the sick and safe time would be:
…an employee’s mental or physical illness, treatment, or preventative care;
…care of a sick family member or a family member in need of preventative care or treatment;
…absence related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking of an employee or family member;
…closure of an employee’s workplace or a family member’s school or day care due to weather or public emergency; and
…a determination by a health care provider that an employee or family member is at risk of infecting others with a communicable disease.
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