REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. — A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers has advanced modifications to Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law, addressing concerns from small business owners and farmers. The legislation, known as Senate File 2300, was spearheaded by Senator Gary Dahms, a Republican from Redwood Falls, in response to challenges posed by the original law enacted by the Democratic majority in 2023.
Initially, Minnesota’s ESST law mandated that all businesses, regardless of size, provide paid sick leave, with penalties of up to $10,000 for noncompliance. Although designed to benefit workers, the law has raised significant issues, particularly for small businesses and family-run farms grappling with the regulations.
Senator Dahms highlighted the concerns raised by constituents regarding the ESST law. “Small employers desire to support their employees, but they require regulations that align with their operational realities. Even some from the Democratic side are coming to understand that this broad mandate requires adjustments and greater flexibility,” he noted.
The approved Senate File 2300 introduces several key amendments, including exempting small businesses with five or fewer employees and farms with three or fewer workers from the ESST requirement. Additionally, the legislation shortens the notification period for employers, reducing the timeframe for illness or emergency documentation from three consecutive days to two. The bill also imposes a cap of 160 hours per year for paid sick time, allowing businesses to manage any additional paid leave according to their internal policies or union agreements.
“This legislation represents just the beginning of an ongoing dialogue. There’s still work needed to balance the mandate’s fairness across all Minnesota businesses,” Senator Dahms said. “This is a significant initial step, and I am committed to supporting practical changes that enable small businesses to thrive while also providing for their employees.”
The bill received backing from six Senate Democrats and successfully passed through the Senate this week. It now awaits further deliberation in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Senator Dahms is currently serving his fifth term representing Senate District 15, encompassing areas in Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties. He is also the Republican Lead on the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and participates in several other legislative committees.
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