The Minneapolis Public Health and Safety Committee voted Tuesday to advance proposed amendments to the city's sick and safe time ordinance that would align local law with state requirements.

The amendments, presented by Civil Rights Director Brian Walsh, would strengthen worker protections by incorporating changes made to Minnesota's earned sick and safe time law that took effect in 2024. Key changes include eliminating the 90-day waiting period for new employees to use accrued time, expanding family member definitions to include chosen family, and allowing sick time use for bereavement and weather-related business closures.

Councilmember Linea Palmisano, the ordinance's author, emphasized the need to reduce confusion between city and state regulations. "Employers were trying to navigate and educate employees about two slightly different sets of regulations," Palmisano said. "This meant two information posters at the work site, and some general confusion about how to follow both sets of these rules."

The proposed ordinance includes a provision allowing the Civil Rights Department to require training for employers found in violation, which generated significant public testimony. Multiple restaurant workers testified through CTUL, advocating for proactive training requirements rather than post-violation remedies. Maria Palacios, a restaurant worker and single mother, told the committee she didn't learn about her sick time rights until three years after the law took effect.

The committee voted to move the ordinance forward without recommendation, allowing time for potential amendments before the August 13 full council meeting. Committee Chair Jason Chavez indicated support for returning the item to committee if amendments aren't finalized in time.