Minnesota Employment Law

Minnesota Human Rights Act covers all employers (1+) with a 365-day filing deadline. Unique protections for public assistance status. Broad coverage including sexual orientation and gender identity.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

No

EEOC Deferral

300 days

Min. Wage

$11.41

Minnesota State Laws (1)

MHRA

Minn. Stat. §§ 363A.01-363A.44

365 days
1+ employees

The Minnesota Human Rights Act is one of the most protective state anti-discrimination statutes in the nation, covering employers with just one or more employees. The Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, age (over 25), sexual orientation, gender identity, and local human rights commission activity. Minnesota is unique in protecting individuals who receive public assistance from employment discrimination and in setting the age protection threshold at 25 rather than 40.

Protected Classes

racecolorcreedreligionnational originsexmarital statusfamilial statusdisabilitypublic assistance statusage (over 25)sexual orientationgender identitylocal human rights commission activity

Key Provisions

  • ✓Prohibits discrimination on an extensive list of protected characteristics including public assistance status
  • ✓Covers employers with 1 or more employees, providing among the broadest coverage in the nation
  • ✓Age protection begins at 25, significantly lower than the federal threshold of 40
  • ✓Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigates complaints and may pursue administrative hearings or litigation
  • ✓Prohibits retaliation against individuals who file charges, testify, or participate in any manner in proceedings under the Act

Remedies

Back payFront payCompensatory damages (emotional distress, mental anguish)Punitive damages (up to 3 times compensatory damages)Attorney fees and costsInjunctive reliefReinstatementCivil penalties
File with: Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR)365 days (1 year) from the discriminatory act

Local Ordinances in Minnesota (1)

Minneapolis

Minneapolis CRO

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Title 7

365 days
1+ employees

The Minneapolis Civil Rights Ordinance provides comprehensive employment discrimination protections for workers in the city, covering all employers with 1 or more employees. It includes protections for public assistance status, which goes beyond Minnesota state law. The ordinance is enforced by the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, which investigates complaints and can order remedies.

Protected Classes

racecolorcreedreligionancestrynational originsexsexual orientationgender identityfamilial statusdisabilityagemarital statuspublic assistance status

Federal Laws That Apply in Minnesota

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Minnesota. As a deferral state, the EEOC filing deadline is extended to 300 days for most claims.

Title VII15+ employees
300 days
ADA15+ employees
300 days
ADEA20+ employees
300 days
EPA1+ employees
730 days
PDA15+ employees
300 days
PWFA15+ employees
300 days
FMLA50+ employees
730 days
FLSA1+ employees
730 days
Section 19811+ employees
1460 days
GINA15+ employees
300 days
USERRA1+ employees
— days
NLRA1+ employees
180 days
OSH Act1+ employees
30 days
WARN Act100+ employees
— days
Rehabilitation Act1+ employees
300 days
SOX Section 8061+ employees
180 days
INA Section 1324b4+ employees
180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Minnesota

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Minnesota laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Minnesota for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: February 2025.