Minnesota lacks a “right to disconnect” law as of January 2026, unlike countries such as Australia or France; proposed U.S. bills in states like California and New Jersey have stalled.​
Recent Labor Updates
Effective January 1, 2026, Minnesota mandates paid meal breaks (30 minutes for shifts over 8 hours) and rest breaks (at least 15 minutes every 4 hours) for non-exempt employees, with double wages as penalty for missed breaks—promoting work-life balance indirectly but without off-hours protections. Employers cannot retaliate against break usage, and collective bargaining agreements may adjust terms.​
Work-Life Protections
General labor laws enforce overtime (1.5x after 48 hours weekly), paid sick leave accrual (1 hour per 50 worked, up to 48 annually), and restrictions on mandatory after-hours contact via wage and hour rules, but no explicit ban on non-urgent emails or calls outside shifts exists. Employees can refuse unreasonable demands under FLSA, focusing enforcement on compensation rather than disconnection rights.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.assemblydems.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=12356)
[2](https://www.postercompliance.com/blog/right-to-disconnect/)
[3](https://www.fordharrison.com/are-us-employers-ready-for-a-right-to-disconnect-law)
[4](https://www.justiceatwork.com/do-you-have-the-right-to-disconnect/)
[5](https://www.jonesday.com/en/insights/2025/12/minnesota-new-employee-break-requirements-take-effect-january-2026)
