Lawmakers continue to debate possible changes to Minnesota’s paid family leave

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lawmakers in the Minnesota House continue to debate changes to the state’s newly launched Paid Family and Medical Leave program. 

Republican Representative Dave Baker of Willmar is sponsoring legislation that would reduce the amount of time for paid leave from 12 weeks to six for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. 

Supporters say small businesses can’t handle losing employees for that long. A bill that would delay the program for one year was tabled in the House last week. 

The Paid Family and Medical Leave law takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.