The Minnesota House passed its version of a paid sick time bill on Thursday night.
According to the legislation, all Minnesota workers will accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, and any companies with paid time or paid sick time policies in place should enact this as the minimum standard.
"Workers should be able to take paid time off if they, or a family member, get sick," said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. "It is basic economic security, it's basic respect and dignity."
More than 900,000 Minnesota workers don’t currently get paid time off to care for themselves or loved ones, according to bill author Liz Olson of Duluth.
Republicans said a mandate should not be added to businesses during a pandemic and that businesses already take steps to care for employees.
"There's so many groups that have no way to pay for this," said Rep. Jim Nash.
The measure passed 69-54.
A similar bill is working its way through the state Senate, with the Senate Finance Committee taking up the measure.
If and when it passes there, the governor is expected to sign it.