Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL)

Back to profile

Rep. Hansen's Sick Time Legislation Passes

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Allows Individuals To Take Sick Time Leave To Care For Sick or Injured Loved Ones

ST. PAUL, MN – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed Rep. Rick Hansen’s (DFL—South St. Paul) bill (HF 568) with broad bipartisan support 100 to 31. The legislation allows individuals who receive sick leave benefits from employers to use take the benefit to care for a spouse, parent, or grandparent who is sick or injured.

“When a loved one needs help or support, Minnesotans should be able to use their sick leave benefits to be there,” said Rep. Hansen. “I was proud to sponsor this legislation because it means family members will no longer have to choose between caring for a loved one and the economic security of their family.”

This bill does not require the expansion of existing benefits by an employer. It simply allows employees to use their sick days for family care giving responsibilities. Current state law only allows this sick time to be used when that individual employee or a minor child is sick or injured.

Millions of Americans provide unpaid care for an elderly parent, spouse or other family member. It is estimated that 100,000 Minnesotans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and are supported by 243,000 caregivers, who provide more than $3.4 billion in unpaid care each year.

This legislation also benefits businesses. Studies have shown that when employers provide elder care benefits to their employees worker productivity and morale improve, while absenteeism and turnover rates decrease.

This legislation received support from a broad coalition of organizations including the AARP, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the American Cancer Society – Cancer Action Network.

-30-