How does the Minnesota Parental Leave Act (MN PLA) work?

Quick answer
MN PLA applies to employers with 1 or more employees working in Minnesota. All employees are eligible, with no hours worked or tenure requirements, as long as they're not independent contractors. Eligible employees can receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job- and benefit-protected leave per event, for prenatal care/pregnancy-related incapacity, bonding with a newborn, or bonding with a newly adopted child.

Who this applies to / Prerequisites

• All employees working for a covered employer are eligible, regardless of hours worked or tenure.
• Independent contractors are not eligible.

Key facts

1. MN PLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job- and benefit-protected leave per event for: prenatal care or incapacity due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related health conditions; bonding with a newborn child within 12 months of birth; or bonding with a newly adopted child under 18 (or under 20 if still attending secondary school) within 12 months of placement.
2. Prenatal care time is covered under the law but does not count toward the 12-week entitlement — a birthing parent can use prenatal care leave and still have the full 12 weeks available postpartum.
3. MN PLA runs concurrently with federal FMLA and MN PFML when applicable.

What if it doesn't work

• I'm not sure if my prenatal care leave counts against my 12 weeks: It doesn't — prenatal care is covered separately and doesn't reduce your 12-week entitlement.
• If none of these apply, contact your Leave Success Manager (employees) or Customer Success Manager (HR teams).

Limits and exceptions

• MN PLA leave is unpaid.
• Independent contractors are not eligible for MN PLA.
• The 12-week entitlement applies per qualifying event, not per year.

Related questions

• How does Minnesota Paid Leave (MN PFML) work?
• What other Minnesota leave laws does Tilt support?