New Minnesota Meal And Rest Break Requirements

On June 14, 2025, Minnesota's governor signed an omnibus bill, SF 17, which includes amendments to the state's meal and rest break requirements found at Minnesota Statute Sections 177.253 and 177.254.

Effective January 1, 2026, an employer must allow employees "a rest break of at least 15 minutes or enough time to utilize the nearest convenient restroom, whichever is longer" within every four hours of consecutive work. The current standard requires merely an "adequate time to utilize the nearest convenient restroom" each four consecutive work hours. The amendment is a change by setting a minimum baseline of 15-minute paid rest breaks and also opens the door to potentially longer paid rest breaks if it takes longer to utilize the nearest convenient restroom.