Minnesota’s recently enacted Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law goes into effect on January 1, 2026. Under the program, employees will be entitled to take up to 20 weeks of PFML in a 12-month period. Qualifying reasons to take leave include: the birth or adoption of a child, the employee’s own serious health condition, to care for a family member with a serious health condition, to manage a family member's active military duty, and/or to address safety concerns, including domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Under the new law, employers will either participate in the state-sponsored program, which is funded by a payroll tax deduction, or they will be required to provide self-insured or private insurance that offers the same benefits as the state program.

Because the law requires all employers regardless of size to provide PFML benefits, virtually every employer with employees who live or work in Minnesota will be impacted by this law.

Employers should be taking steps now to prepare for PFML, including:

• Determining if they will opt into the state program or purchase a private plan;
• Designating a “leave administrator” who will manage the employer’s PFML account, including corresponding with the state regarding leaves;
• Updating leave policies and procedures to ensure employees are aware of Minnesota PFML and that all leaves for which employees are eligible run concurrently; and
• Providing training to managers and HR professionals regarding the requirements of the law and managing various types of leaves.

Key dates Employers should be aware of:

• Now! Private Plan Applications are open
• November 10, 2025: Deadline to Notify State of Private Plan Alternative
• December 1, 2025: Deadline to Notify Employees about MN Paid Leave
• January 1, 2026: Premium deductions begin
• April 2026: First quarterly premium due

We Can Help

Best & Flanagan’s Labor and Employment law attorneys are ready to answer your questions and assist in ensuring your company is prepared for compliance with this new law.