On February 18, 2026, Minnesota Governor announced the introduction of a new legislation aimed at enhancing employee benefits for workers across the state. The proposed bill, titled the Employee Benefits Enhancement Act, includes a range of measures designed to improve the well-being of Minnesota workers and their families.One of the key provisions of the legislation is the expansion of paid parental leave for all employees in the state. Under the new law, all workers will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child. This represents a significant increase from the current standard, which only guarantees unpaid leave for certain workers.In addition to paid parental leave, the Employee Benefits Enhancement Act also includes provisions for paid sick leave and paid family caregiving leave. Employers will be required to provide a minimum of five days of paid sick leave per year for employees to use for their own illness or to care for a sick family member. Similarly, workers will be entitled to up to 10 days of paid family caregiving leave to provide care for a family member with a serious health condition.Furthermore, the legislation includes measures to improve retirement benefits for workers in Minnesota. Employers will be required to automatically enroll employees in a retirement savings plan, with the option for workers to opt-out if they choose. This is aimed at increasing retirement savings rates among workers who may not otherwise have access to a retirement plan through their employer.Governor emphasized the importance of these new benefits in supporting the well-being of Minnesota workers and their families. "Providing paid leave and retirement benefits is not only the right thing to do for our workers, but it also makes good business sense," Governor stated. "By investing in the well-being of our workforce, we can improve employee retention, productivity, and overall job satisfaction."The Employee Benefits Enhancement Act is expected to be met with support from labor unions, advocacy groups, and many businesses across the state. The legislation represents a significant step forward in improving employee benefits in Minnesota and promoting a more equitable and supportive workplace environment for all workers.