Minnesota Democrats Go Big on Paid Leave, Noncompetes, Unions

Minnesota businesses would face sweeping employment law changes—including creation of a paid family leave program and a ban on employee noncompetes—under legislation heading to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature.

The legislation also includes several safety provisions for warehouse and meatpacking workers as well as paid sick leave. The bills’ passage represents a major labor win in the first session after the state’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor party gained control of both the state House and Senate.

Walz (DFL) plans to sign the bills, his spokeswoman Claire Lancaster said by email Thursday.

The state Senate on Thursday took the final vote to pass ...