Minnesota has enacted legislation that expands the protections for employees who are called for jury service. The changes are a result of enactment of House File 5216 and take effect July 1, 2024.
The Details
Under existing law, employers are prohibited from taking adverse action against employees because they receive a summons for jury service.
Effective July 1, 2024, House File 5216 further requires employers to release an employee from the employee's regular work schedule to permit the employee to attend court for prospective jury service.
Employers are prohibited from requiring an employee to work an alternative shift on any day the juror is required to report to the courthouse for jury service.
The law doesn’t prohibit an employee from voluntarily requesting to work an alternative work schedule on any day the juror is required to report to the courthouse for jury service, as long as the employer doesn’t encourage, prompt, or ask for the employee to make such a request.
Next Steps
· Review policies and practices to ensure compliance with House File 5216.
· Train supervisors on the law.