A significant shift in Minnesota's paid leave policy was discussed during the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee meeting on March 13, 2025. The proposed changes aim to establish a fifty-fifty premium split between employers and employees, aligning Minnesota with similar programs in other states.

Key points of the proposal include exempting elected officials from the paid leave program, mirroring their current exemption from the Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) policy. Additionally, extremely part-time workers, such as election judges, would also be exempted, ensuring that those who may contribute to the program but are unlikely to benefit from it are not burdened.

Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of collaboration with counties to ensure the program is implemented effectively without imposing new administrative challenges. "Counties have been good partners with our public employees," one committee member noted, highlighting the ongoing commitment to fostering strong, employee-friendly paid leave programs.

As discussions continue, the committee is focused on identifying solutions that will facilitate the program's rollout while addressing any potential implementation concerns. The committee looks forward to working with Chair Baker and members from both parties to refine the proposal as the legislative session progresses.