Copyright Minnesota House of Representatives.

Minnesota workers now without paid sick leave could be covered under a proposed bill.

If approved, workers would earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year.

Time not used would carry over to the following year.

The proposed bill passed through the House Labour and Industry Finance and Policy Committee on Tuesday, with support split among party lines.

The bill’s sponsor Representative Liz Olson from Duluth, says more than a third of working people in the state lack paid sick.

Concerns were raised by a group representing small businesses.

John Reynolds, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, worries it impacting stores’ already existing workplace challenges and increased labour costs.

Republicans sought to exempt businesses with 50 employees or less, but without success.

The bill now heads to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee for further discussion.