Overview
- Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave takes effect Jan. 1 with up to 12 weeks each of medical and family leave (20 weeks combined), replacing about 55%–90% of wages up to $1,423 per week and funded by a 0.88% payroll premium.
- DEED began accepting applications on Dec. 30; leaves cannot start until Jan. 1, and officials report more than 7,000 pre‑launch signups with identity checks, required documentation, and employer flagging to deter improper claims.
- Workers generally qualify if they earned at least $3,900 in the prior year, with exclusions including federal and tribal employees, certain seasonal hospitality roles, independent contractors, self‑employed, postal, and railroad workers; job protection applies after 90 days.
- Other 2026 changes include stricter online absentee ballot verification and required disclaimers on mailed sample ballots, clearer rest and meal break requirements, and new court tools to freeze assets and restrict contact to protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation.
- Hunting and water rules shift as the southern 'shotgun zone' is repealed and DNR fees rise for water use permits and aquatic invasive species surcharges; Alpha News also reports MinnesotaCare eligibility ends Dec. 31, 2025 for undocumented adults, with children remaining eligible.