Minnesota Expands Sick Leave Law to Include Domestic Violence Leave

What Changed

Minnesota enacted Senate Bill 3035 (SB 3035), which expanded the permitted uses of the state's forthcoming Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law to include leave for victims of domestic violence. This builds on the statewide ESST law signed into law on May 24, 2023, adding domestic violence as an explicit covered reason for leave.

Employees will be able to use their earned sick and safe time for needs related to domestic violence, including medical care, counseling, safety planning, and legal proceedings.

Who Is Affected

All Minnesota employers with one or more employees, and all employees who work at least 80 hours per year in Minnesota. This expansion applies to the same population covered by the statewide ESST law.

Where It Applies

Minnesota statewide.

When It Takes Effect

January 1, 2024 — the same effective date as the statewide ESST law.

Why It Matters

Adding domestic violence as a covered reason for sick and safe leave ensures that victims can access time off to deal with the consequences of domestic violence without risking their employment. Many local sick leave ordinances in Minnesota already included domestic violence leave; the statewide expansion creates a uniform standard.

The Humareso Take

This is an important addition to Minnesota's already comprehensive ESST law. When you are building your Minnesota sick leave policy for the January 1, 2024 effective date, make sure domestic violence leave is explicitly included as a covered use. It is one more reason to get your ESST policy finalized well before the deadline.

Recommended Action Steps

1. Ensure your Minnesota ESST policy explicitly includes domestic violence as a covered reason for leave.

2. Train managers to handle domestic violence-related leave requests with sensitivity and confidentiality.

3. Review anti-retaliation provisions to ensure employees are protected from adverse action for using leave related to domestic violence.

4. Contact your Humareso representative for comprehensive Minnesota ESST policy guidance that includes all covered uses.