MN House Passes “Earned Safe and Sick Time” Bill

The Minnesota House of Representatives has passed an “earned sick and safe time” bill (HF19) that, if passed, would ensure most Minnesota workers are eligible to accrue paid time off.

According to the bill, workers would earn 1 hour of “safe and sick time” for every 39 hours they work (up to 48 hours every year).

Author of the bill, Rep Liz Olson (DFL) of Duluth explained that it “ensures that the 900,000 Minnesotans who currently don’t have access to a single paid day off … would be able to have that human dignity of being able to stay home with a sick kid, to take care of themselves or a loved one.”

Full time and part time employees (who work at least 80 hours a year) would be eligible for the paid days off regardless of how large or small the business employing them is. Independent contractors and federal workers would not be eligible.

Republican opponents voiced concerns that this bill would put added pressure and obligation onto small businesses.

The bill now moves to the MN Senate for consideration.

Should businesses provide paid days off for their employees?

#nodaysoff #paidsickleave #selfcare #mentalhealthday #childcare #sick #sickday #caretaker #caregiver #minnesota #minneapolis #twincities #duluth #mn #mpls #stpaul #mnhouse #news #dfl