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New Minnesota Break Requirements
On January 1, 2026, Minnesota employers must begin following expanded break requirements for all employees. Current law only requires employers to provide “sufficient time to eat a meal” every eight hours and “adequate time from work” to use the nearest restroom every four hours.
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Stay informed with the latest updates, expert insights, and news impacting Minnesota franchise dealerships.
Session Ends with MADA Success
The 2026 Legislative Session concluded just before midnight on Sunday, May 17. While the session was divisive and lacked coordination between the House and Senate, MADA was able to achieve our top two priorities: PFAS reporting reform and extending the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET).
FTC Letters – MADA Updates Advertising Standards Effective May 25
Last week, MADA issued important updates to its Advertising Standards and Three Strikes Policy following recent guidance from the FTC regarding dealer advertising practices. On April 17, NADA hosted an FTC webinar in which senior FTC staff stated that, under...
MPCA Delays PFAS Reporting Requirement Until September 15
The MPCA has announced that they are delaying the PFAS reporting due date to September 15, 2026. While it is positive that MPCA is finally acknowledging the challenges using their PRISM reporting system, this delay doesn't resolve the primary issue being faced by...
Sales Manager Accused of Swindling Minnesota Dealership Out of $84,000
On March 24, 2026, prosecutors charged Jason Robert Schaalma, 50, of Bemidji, with two felony counts of theft by swindle under Minn. Stat. § 609.52.2(a)(4). Authorities allege Schaalma manipulated dealership inventory records to hide unauthorized vehicle...
Direct Sales Update: Sony Honda Mobility Cancels Afeela Program; Scout Motors Loses Key Motion in California and Delays Vehicle Launch Plans
Sony Honda Mobility Cancels Afeela EVs and Restructures Joint Venture Honda Motor Co. and Sony Corp. have canceled the Afeela EV program for North America and are restructuring their joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility. The companies discontinued development of the...
FTC Clarifies Enforcement Priorities on Dealer Advertising & Confirms Doc Fee Inclusion Requirement
On April 17, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) hosted a webinar with senior staff from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to clarify enforcement expectations following the agency’s March 13 warning letters to 97 dealerships nationwide. Although the...
