Mid-Year Employment Law Update – Golden Valley

Times are listed in Central Time.

9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Registration & Networking

10:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Welcome

Session 1:

10:15 – 11:00 a.m.

Minnesota's 2026 Employer Obligations and Updates

Presenter: Mary Ellen Reihsen, Hellmuth & Johnson

Minnesota employers continue to navigate a rapidly evolving employment law landscape. This midyear update will review key laws and employer obligations that took effect in 2026, highlight compliance priorities, and discuss practical steps organizations should be taking now to reduce risk and stay ahead of changing requirements.

Attendees will also receive an update on significant employment-related developments emerging from the 2026 Minnesota legislative session and gain insight into what may be on the horizon for employers in 2027.

11:00 - 11:15 a.m.

Break

Session 2:

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Minnesota Paid Leave: Lessons from the First Six Months

Presenters: Kurt Erickson & Emily McNee, Littler Mendelson

This session will examine the first six months of Minnesota’s Paid Leave program and the practical lessons emerging for employers, HR professionals, and legal counsel. Participants will explore early implementation trends, compliance challenges, employee experiences, and administrative issues arising since the program launched in January 2026. The discussion will also address how Minnesota Paid Leave interacts with existing obligations under FMLA, ADA, employer leave policies, and payroll practices, including common areas of confusion and operational risk. Attendees will gain practical guidance on adapting policies, improving leave administration processes, and preparing for evolving enforcement and employee expectations as the program continues to mature.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch & Networking

Session 3:

1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

AI, Technology & Workplace Privacy: Legal Obligations & Considerations

Presenters: Randi Winter & Pablo Orozco, Spencer Fane

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into workplace operations, employers must balance innovation with employee privacy rights and legal compliance. This session explores the legal obligations organizations face when implementing AI technologies in areas such as recruitment, monitoring, performance management, and data collection. Participants will examine emerging regulations, privacy considerations, and best practices for responsible AI use in the workplace. The discussion will also address risk mitigation strategies, transparency requirements, and ethical considerations for employers navigating rapidly evolving technology laws.

1:45 - 2:00 p.m.

Closing

HRCI and SHRM credits, and CLEs applied for.

Register to Attend

Sponsoring MRA events is a tremendous opportunity to bring your message of business value to our growing membership of organizations HR professionals and business leaders. Our members represent all industries including manufacturing, service, distribution, finance, and health care! 80% of event attendees are new at each event offering you the opportunity to network with new contacts. We are very excited about the event this year and hope you can join us! 

For more information on sponsorship, call Laura Kielbasa at 262.696.3346 or Laura.Kielbasa@mranet.org.

Thank You to our 2026 Sponsors!