{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "asset_type": "jurisdictional-variation", "body": "Most US states impose no meal- or rest-break requirement at all on private employers \u2014 federal law (the FLSA) doesn't require either. A minority of states do, and the rules vary sharply: the hours-worked threshold that triggers a meal break, its minimum length, whether it counts as paid time, and whether a separate rest break is owed on top of it, each set independently by that state's own statute or wage regulation. California requires a 30-minute meal break after 5 hours (a second after 10) and a paid 10-minute rest break per 4 hours; Illinois requires only a 20-minute meal break after 7.5 hours worked and no rest break at all; most states require neither. Free HR-vendor comparison charts on this topic (Paycor, HiveDesk, TimeClick) are comprehensive but cite no statute or regulation section, so a reader has no way to check a row against its source \u2014 and at least one such chart is already stale on Minnesota, whose meal- and rest-break law changed effective January 1, 2026. Each record is one state with a break requirement, giving the meal-break rule and the rest-break rule as the statute or regulation states them, each backed by a verbatim quote, plus the citation. States with no break requirement are omitted rather than asserted, since the absence itself has to be checked per state and isn't claimed here without a source stating it. Answers 'does my state require a lunch break', 'am I entitled to a paid break at work', 'how many hours can I work before I'm owed a break in [state]'.\n", "description": "Most US states impose no meal- or rest-break requirement at all on private employers \u2014 federal law (the FLSA) doesn't require either. A minority of states do, and the rules vary sharply: the hours-worked threshold that triggers a meal break, its minimum length, whether it counts as paid time, and whether a separate rest break is owed on top of it, each set independently by that state's own statute or wage regulation. California requires a 30-minute meal break after 5 hours (a second after 10) and a paid 10-minute rest break per 4 hours; Illinois requires only a 20-minute meal break after 7.5 hours worked and no rest break at all; most states require neither. Free HR-vendor comparison charts on this topic (Paycor, HiveDesk, TimeClick) are comprehensive but cite no statute or regulation section, so a reader has no way to check a row against its source \u2014 and at least one such chart is already stale on Minnesota, whose meal- and rest-break law changed effective January 1, 2026. Each record is one state with a break requirement, giving the meal-break rule and the rest-break rule as the statute or regulation states them, each backed by a verbatim quote, plus the citation. States with no break requirement are omitted rather than asserted, since the absence itself has to be checked per state and isn't claimed here without a source stating it. Answers 'does my state require a lunch break', 'am I entitled to a paid break at work', 'how many hours can I work before I'm owed a break in [state]'.", "file": "index.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "key_field": "jurisdiction", "licence": "unknown", "sources": ["https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=512.", "https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_restperiods.htm", "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/colorado/7-CCR-1103-1-5", "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_557.htm#sec_31-51ii", "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title19/c007/sc01/index.html", "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=082001400K3", "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=32077", "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=49845", "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec601.html", "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=3-710&enactments=false", "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXI/Chapter149/Section100", "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/177.254", "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/177.253", "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=48-212", "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-608.html#NRS608Sec019", "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXIII/275/275-30-a.htm", "https://newyork.public.law/laws/n.y._labor_law_section_162", "https://www.ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/46-02-07.pdf", "https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_839-020-0050", "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE28/28-3/28-3-14.htm", "https://www.tn.gov/workforce/employees/labor-laws/labor-laws-redirect/wages-breaks.html", "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/005/00304", "https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-126-092", "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/21-3-10A/"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "title": "Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "dataset", "verified": false}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** California\n\n**Meal break rule:** An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with a meal period of not less than 30 minutes\n\n> An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total work period per day of the employee is no more than six hours, the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of both the employer and employee. An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than 10 hours per day without providing the employee with a second meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total hours worked is no more than 12 hours, the second meal period may be waived by mutual consent of the employer and the employee only if the first meal period was not waived.\n\n**Rest break rule:** must authorize and permit a net 10-minute paid rest period for every four hours worked or major fraction thereof\n\n> Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Orders must authorize and permit a net 10-minute paid rest period for every four hours worked or major fraction thereof. Insofar as is practicable, the rest period should be in the middle of the work period.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** Cal. Labor Code \u00a7 512 (meal); Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Orders, per DLSE (rest)\n\n> California Code, LAB 512.\n\n> An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total work period per day of the employee is no more than six hours, the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of both the employer and employee.\n\nSource: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=512.>\n\nAlso cited: <https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_restperiods.htm>\n", "file": "california.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "california", "jurisdiction": "California", "meal_break_requirement": "An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with a meal period of not less than 30 minutes", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total work period per day of the employee is no more than six hours, the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of both the employer and employee. An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than 10 hours per day without providing the employee with a second meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total hours worked is no more than 12 hours, the second meal period may be waived by mutual consent of the employer and the employee only if the first meal period was not waived.", "quote_rest_break_requirement": "Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Orders must authorize and permit a net 10-minute paid rest period for every four hours worked or major fraction thereof. Insofar as is practicable, the rest period should be in the middle of the work period.", "quote_statute_citation": "California Code, LAB 512.", "rest_break_requirement": "must authorize and permit a net 10-minute paid rest period for every four hours worked or major fraction thereof", "source_quote": "An employer shall not employ an employee for a work period of more than five hours per day without providing the employee with a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that if the total work period per day of the employee is no more than six hours, the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of both the employer and employee.", "sources": ["https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=512.", "https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_restperiods.htm"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "Cal. Labor Code \u00a7 512 (meal); Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Orders, per DLSE (rest)", "title": "California \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Colorado\n\n**Meal break rule:** Employees shall be entitled to an uninterrupted and duty-free meal period of at least a 30-minute duration when the shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours\n\n> Employees shall be entitled to an uninterrupted and duty-free meal period of at least a 30-minute duration when the shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours. Such meal periods, to the extent practical, shall be at least one hour after the start, and one hour before the end of the shift.\n\n**Rest break rule:** Every employer shall authorize and permit a compensated 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of work, or major fractions thereof, for all employees\n\n> Every employer shall authorize and permit a compensated 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of work, or major fractions thereof, for all employees, as follows, except as provided in exemptions or variances in Rule 2:\n\n**Statute or regulation:** 7 CCR 1103-1-5 (COMPS Order #38, Rule 5)\n\n> 7 CCR 1103-1-5 - Meal and Rest Periods\n\n> Employees shall be entitled to an uninterrupted and duty-free meal period of at least a 30-minute duration when the shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours. Such meal periods, to the extent practical, shall be at least one hour after the start, and one hour before the end of the shift.\n\nSource: <https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/colorado/7-CCR-1103-1-5>\n", "file": "colorado.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "colorado", "jurisdiction": "Colorado", "meal_break_requirement": "Employees shall be entitled to an uninterrupted and duty-free meal period of at least a 30-minute duration when the shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "Employees shall be entitled to an uninterrupted and duty-free meal period of at least a 30-minute duration when the shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours. Such meal periods, to the extent practical, shall be at least one hour after the start, and one hour before the end of the shift.", "quote_rest_break_requirement": "Every employer shall authorize and permit a compensated 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of work, or major fractions thereof, for all employees, as follows, except as provided in exemptions or variances in Rule 2:", "quote_statute_citation": "7 CCR 1103-1-5 - Meal and Rest Periods", "rest_break_requirement": "Every employer shall authorize and permit a compensated 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of work, or major fractions thereof, for all employees", "source_quote": "Employees shall be entitled to an uninterrupted and duty-free meal period of at least a 30-minute duration when the shift exceeds 5 consecutive hours. Such meal periods, to the extent practical, shall be at least one hour after the start, and one hour before the end of the shift.", "sources": ["https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/colorado/7-CCR-1103-1-5"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "7 CCR 1103-1-5 (COMPS Order #38, Rule 5)", "title": "Colorado \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Connecticut\n\n**Meal break rule:** No person shall be required to work for seven and one-half or more consecutive hours without a period of at least thirty consecutive minutes for a meal\n\n> No person shall be required to work for seven and one-half or more consecutive hours without a period of at least thirty consecutive minutes for a meal. Such period shall be given at some time after the first two hours of work and before the last two hours.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** Conn. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 31-51ii\n\n> Sec. 31-51ii. Meal periods. Exemptions. Regulations.\n\n> No person shall be required to work for seven and one-half or more consecutive hours without a period of at least thirty consecutive minutes for a meal. Such period shall be given at some time after the first two hours of work and before the last two hours.\n\nSource: <https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_557.htm#sec_31-51ii>\n", "file": "connecticut.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "connecticut", "jurisdiction": "Connecticut", "meal_break_requirement": "No person shall be required to work for seven and one-half or more consecutive hours without a period of at least thirty consecutive minutes for a meal", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "No person shall be required to work for seven and one-half or more consecutive hours without a period of at least thirty consecutive minutes for a meal. Such period shall be given at some time after the first two hours of work and before the last two hours.", "quote_statute_citation": "Sec. 31-51ii. Meal periods. Exemptions. Regulations.", "source_quote": "No person shall be required to work for seven and one-half or more consecutive hours without a period of at least thirty consecutive minutes for a meal. Such period shall be given at some time after the first two hours of work and before the last two hours.", "sources": ["https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_557.htm#sec_31-51ii"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 31-51ii", "title": "Connecticut \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Delaware\n\n**Meal break rule:** An employer must allow an employee an unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes, if the employee works 71/2 or more consecutive hours\n\n> An employer must allow an employee an unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes, if the employee works 71/2 or more consecutive hours. The meal break must be given some time after the first 2 hours of work and before the last 2 hours.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** 19 Del. C. \u00a7 707\n\n> 707. Meal breaks.\n\n> An employer must allow an employee an unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes, if the employee works 71/2 or more consecutive hours. The meal break must be given some time after the first 2 hours of work and before the last 2 hours.\n\nSource: <https://delcode.delaware.gov/title19/c007/sc01/index.html>\n", "file": "delaware.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "delaware", "jurisdiction": "Delaware", "meal_break_requirement": "An employer must allow an employee an unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes, if the employee works 71/2 or more consecutive hours", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "An employer must allow an employee an unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes, if the employee works 71/2 or more consecutive hours. The meal break must be given some time after the first 2 hours of work and before the last 2 hours.", "quote_statute_citation": "707. Meal breaks.", "source_quote": "An employer must allow an employee an unpaid meal break of at least 30 consecutive minutes, if the employee works 71/2 or more consecutive hours. The meal break must be given some time after the first 2 hours of work and before the last 2 hours.", "sources": ["https://delcode.delaware.gov/title19/c007/sc01/index.html"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "19 Del. C. \u00a7 707", "title": "Delaware \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "unverified_fields": "statute_citation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Illinois\n\n**Meal break rule:** Every employer shall permit its employees who are to work for 7 1/2 continuous hours, except those specified in this Section, at least 20 minutes for a meal period beginning no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period\n\n> Every employer shall permit its employees who are to work for 7 1/2 continuous hours, except those specified in this Section, at least 20 minutes for a meal period beginning no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period. An employee who works in excess of 7 1/2 continuous hours shall be entitled to an additional 20-minute meal period for every additional 4 1/2 continuous hours worked.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** 820 ILCS 140/3\n\n> (820 ILCS 140/3) (from Ch. 48, par. 8c)\n\n> Every employer shall permit its employees who are to work for 7 1/2 continuous hours, except those specified in this Section, at least 20 minutes for a meal period beginning no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period. An employee who works in excess of 7 1/2 continuous hours shall be entitled to an additional 20-minute meal period for every additional 4 1/2 continuous hours worked.\n\nSource: <https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=082001400K3>\n", "file": "illinois.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "illinois", "jurisdiction": "Illinois", "meal_break_requirement": "Every employer shall permit its employees who are to work for 7 1/2 continuous hours, except those specified in this Section, at least 20 minutes for a meal period beginning no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "Every employer shall permit its employees who are to work for 7 1/2 continuous hours, except those specified in this Section, at least 20 minutes for a meal period beginning no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period. An employee who works in excess of 7 1/2 continuous hours shall be entitled to an additional 20-minute meal period for every additional 4 1/2 continuous hours worked.", "quote_statute_citation": "(820 ILCS 140/3) (from Ch. 48, par. 8c)", "source_quote": "Every employer shall permit its employees who are to work for 7 1/2 continuous hours, except those specified in this Section, at least 20 minutes for a meal period beginning no later than 5 hours after the start of the work period. An employee who works in excess of 7 1/2 continuous hours shall be entitled to an additional 20-minute meal period for every additional 4 1/2 continuous hours worked.", "sources": ["https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=082001400K3"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "820 ILCS 140/3", "title": "Illinois \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Kentucky\n\n**Meal break rule:** Employers, except those subject to the Federal Railway Labor Act, shall grant their employees a reasonable period for lunch, and such time shall be as close to the middle of the employee's scheduled work shift as possible\n\n> Employers, except those subject to the Federal Railway Labor Act, shall grant their employees a reasonable period for lunch, and such time shall be as close to the middle of the employee's scheduled work shift as possible. In no case shall an employee be required to take a lunch period sooner than three (3) hours after his work shift commences, nor more than five (5) hours from the time his work shift commences.\n\n**Rest break rule:** No employer shall require any employee to work without a rest period of at least ten (10) minutes during each four (4) hours worked\n\n> No employer shall require any employee to work without a rest period of at least ten (10) minutes during each four (4) hours worked, except those employees who are under the Federal Railway Labor Act. This shall be in addition to the regularly scheduled lunch period.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** KRS 337.355 (lunch period); KRS 337.365 (rest periods)\n\n> 337.355 Lunch period requirements.\n\n> Employers, except those subject to the Federal Railway Labor Act, shall grant their employees a reasonable period for lunch, and such time shall be as close to the middle of the employee's scheduled work shift as possible.\n\nSource: <https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=32077>\n\nAlso cited: <https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=49845>\n", "file": "kentucky.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "kentucky", "jurisdiction": "Kentucky", "meal_break_requirement": "Employers, except those subject to the Federal Railway Labor Act, shall grant their employees a reasonable period for lunch, and such time shall be as close to the middle of the employee's scheduled work shift as possible", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "Employers, except those subject to the Federal Railway Labor Act, shall grant their employees a reasonable period for lunch, and such time shall be as close to the middle of the employee's scheduled work shift as possible. In no case shall an employee be required to take a lunch period sooner than three (3) hours after his work shift commences, nor more than five (5) hours from the time his work shift commences.", "quote_rest_break_requirement": "No employer shall require any employee to work without a rest period of at least ten (10) minutes during each four (4) hours worked, except those employees who are under the Federal Railway Labor Act. This shall be in addition to the regularly scheduled lunch period.", "quote_statute_citation": "337.355 Lunch period requirements.", "rest_break_requirement": "No employer shall require any employee to work without a rest period of at least ten (10) minutes during each four (4) hours worked", "source_quote": "Employers, except those subject to the Federal Railway Labor Act, shall grant their employees a reasonable period for lunch, and such time shall be as close to the middle of the employee's scheduled work shift as possible.", "sources": ["https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=32077", "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=49845"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "KRS 337.355 (lunch period); KRS 337.365 (rest periods)", "title": "Kentucky \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Maine\n\n**Meal break rule:** may be employed or permitted to work for no more than 6 consecutive hours at one time unless the employee is given the opportunity to take at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time\n\n> may be employed or permitted to work for no more than 6 consecutive hours at one time unless the employee is given the opportunity to take at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time, except in cases of emergency in which there is danger to property, life, public safety or public health. This rest time may be used by the employee as unpaid mealtime, but only if the employee is completely relieved of duty.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** 26 M.R.S. \u00a7 601\n\n> \u00a7601. Rest breaks\n\n> may be employed or permitted to work for no more than 6 consecutive hours at one time unless the employee is given the opportunity to take at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time, except in cases of emergency in which there is danger to property, life, public safety or public health. This rest time may be used by the employee as unpaid mealtime, but only if the employee is completely relieved of duty.\n\nSource: <https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec601.html>\n", "file": "maine.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "maine", "jurisdiction": "Maine", "meal_break_requirement": "may be employed or permitted to work for no more than 6 consecutive hours at one time unless the employee is given the opportunity to take at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "may be employed or permitted to work for no more than 6 consecutive hours at one time unless the employee is given the opportunity to take at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time, except in cases of emergency in which there is danger to property, life, public safety or public health. This rest time may be used by the employee as unpaid mealtime, but only if the employee is completely relieved of duty.", "quote_statute_citation": "\u00a7601. Rest breaks", "source_quote": "may be employed or permitted to work for no more than 6 consecutive hours at one time unless the employee is given the opportunity to take at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest time, except in cases of emergency in which there is danger to property, life, public safety or public health. This rest time may be used by the employee as unpaid mealtime, but only if the employee is completely relieved of duty.", "sources": ["https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/26/title26sec601.html"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "26 M.R.S. \u00a7 601", "title": "Maine \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "unverified_fields": "statute_citation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Maryland\n\n**Meal break rule:** An employer may not employ an employee at a retail establishment for more than 6 consecutive hours without providing a nonworking shift break of at least 30 minutes\n\n> An employer may not employ an employee at a retail establishment for more than 6 consecutive hours without providing a nonworking shift break of at least 30 minutes.\n\n**Rest break rule:** If an employee works 8 consecutive hours in a single shift, the employer shall provide an additional nonworking shift break of at least 15 minutes for every additional 4 consecutive hours the employer employs the employee in the shift\n\n> If an employee works 8 consecutive hours in a single shift, the employer shall provide an additional nonworking shift break of at least 15 minutes for every additional 4 consecutive hours the employer employs the employee in the shift.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. \u00a7 3-710\n\n> An employer may not employ an employee at a retail establishment for more than 6 consecutive hours without providing a nonworking shift break of at least 30 minutes.\n\nSource: <https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=3-710&enactments=false>\n", "file": "maryland.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "maryland", "jurisdiction": "Maryland", "meal_break_requirement": "An employer may not employ an employee at a retail establishment for more than 6 consecutive hours without providing a nonworking shift break of at least 30 minutes", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "An employer may not employ an employee at a retail establishment for more than 6 consecutive hours without providing a nonworking shift break of at least 30 minutes.", "quote_rest_break_requirement": "If an employee works 8 consecutive hours in a single shift, the employer shall provide an additional nonworking shift break of at least 15 minutes for every additional 4 consecutive hours the employer employs the employee in the shift.", "rest_break_requirement": "If an employee works 8 consecutive hours in a single shift, the employer shall provide an additional nonworking shift break of at least 15 minutes for every additional 4 consecutive hours the employer employs the employee in the shift", "source_quote": "An employer may not employ an employee at a retail establishment for more than 6 consecutive hours without providing a nonworking shift break of at least 30 minutes.", "sources": ["https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=3-710&enactments=false"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. \u00a7 3-710", "title": "Maryland \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Massachusetts\n\n**Meal break rule:** No person shall be required to work for more than six hours during a calendar day without an interval of at least thirty minutes for a meal\n\n> Section 100. No person shall be required to work for more than six hours during a calendar day without an interval of at least thirty minutes for a meal.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** M.G.L. c. 149, \u00a7 100\n\n> Section 100: Hours of work without interval for meal; duration; violation of statute\n\n> Section 100. No person shall be required to work for more than six hours during a calendar day without an interval of at least thirty minutes for a meal.\n\nSource: <https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXI/Chapter149/Section100>\n", "file": "massachusetts.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "massachusetts", "jurisdiction": "Massachusetts", "meal_break_requirement": "No person shall be required to work for more than six hours during a calendar day without an interval of at least thirty minutes for a meal", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "Section 100. No person shall be required to work for more than six hours during a calendar day without an interval of at least thirty minutes for a meal.", "quote_statute_citation": "Section 100: Hours of work without interval for meal; duration; violation of statute", "source_quote": "Section 100. No person shall be required to work for more than six hours during a calendar day without an interval of at least thirty minutes for a meal.", "sources": ["https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXI/Chapter149/Section100"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "M.G.L. c. 149, \u00a7 100", "title": "Massachusetts \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Minnesota\n\n**Meal break rule:** An employer must allow each employee who is working for six or more consecutive hours a meal break of at least 30 minutes\n\n> An employer must allow each employee who is working for six or more consecutive hours a meal break of at least 30 minutes. \u00a7 Subd. 2.Payment not required. Except for subdivision 4, nothing in this section requires the employer to pay the employee during the meal break.\n\n**Rest break rule:** An employer must allow each employee a rest break of at least 15 minutes or enough time to utilize the nearest convenient restroom, whichever is longer, within each four consecutive hours of work\n\n> An employer must allow each employee a rest break of at least 15 minutes or enough time to utilize the nearest convenient restroom, whichever is longer, within each four consecutive hours of work.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** Minn. Stat. \u00a7 177.254 (mandatory meal break); \u00a7 177.253 (mandatory work breaks)\n\n> 177.254 MANDATORY MEAL BREAK.\n\n> An employer must allow each employee who is working for six or more consecutive hours a meal break of at least 30 minutes.\n\nSource: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/177.254>\n\nAlso cited: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/177.253>\n", "file": "minnesota.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "minnesota", "jurisdiction": "Minnesota", "meal_break_requirement": "An employer must allow each employee who is working for six or more consecutive hours a meal break of at least 30 minutes", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "An employer must allow each employee who is working for six or more consecutive hours a meal break of at least 30 minutes. \u00a7 Subd. 2.Payment not required. Except for subdivision 4, nothing in this section requires the employer to pay the employee during the meal break.", "quote_rest_break_requirement": "An employer must allow each employee a rest break of at least 15 minutes or enough time to utilize the nearest convenient restroom, whichever is longer, within each four consecutive hours of work.", "quote_statute_citation": "177.254 MANDATORY MEAL BREAK.", "rest_break_requirement": "An employer must allow each employee a rest break of at least 15 minutes or enough time to utilize the nearest convenient restroom, whichever is longer, within each four consecutive hours of work", "source_quote": "An employer must allow each employee who is working for six or more consecutive hours a meal break of at least 30 minutes.", "sources": ["https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/177.254", "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/177.253"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "Minn. Stat. \u00a7 177.254 (mandatory meal break); \u00a7 177.253 (mandatory work breaks)", "title": "Minnesota \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Nebraska\n\n**Meal break rule:** owning or operating an assembling plant, workshop, or mechanical establishment employing one or more persons shall allow all of their employees not less than thirty consecutive minutes for lunch in each eight-hour shift\n\n> Any person, firm, or corporation owning or operating an assembling plant, workshop, or mechanical establishment employing one or more persons shall allow all of their employees not less than thirty consecutive minutes for lunch in each eight-hour shift, and during such time it shall be unlawful for any such employer to require such employee or employees to remain in buildings or on the premises where their labor is performed.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** Neb. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 48-212\n\n> Lunch hour; requirements; applicability.\n\n> Any person, firm, or corporation owning or operating an assembling plant, workshop, or mechanical establishment employing one or more persons shall allow all of their employees not less than thirty consecutive minutes for lunch in each eight-hour shift, and during such time it shall be unlawful for any such employer to require such employee or employees to remain in buildings or on the premises where their labor is performed.\n\nSource: <https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=48-212>\n", "file": "nebraska.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "nebraska", "jurisdiction": "Nebraska", "meal_break_requirement": "owning or operating an assembling plant, workshop, or mechanical establishment employing one or more persons shall allow all of their employees not less than thirty consecutive minutes for lunch in each eight-hour shift", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "Any person, firm, or corporation owning or operating an assembling plant, workshop, or mechanical establishment employing one or more persons shall allow all of their employees not less than thirty consecutive minutes for lunch in each eight-hour shift, and during such time it shall be unlawful for any such employer to require such employee or employees to remain in buildings or on the premises where their labor is performed.", "quote_statute_citation": "Lunch hour; requirements; applicability.", "source_quote": "Any person, firm, or corporation owning or operating an assembling plant, workshop, or mechanical establishment employing one or more persons shall allow all of their employees not less than thirty consecutive minutes for lunch in each eight-hour shift, and during such time it shall be unlawful for any such employer to require such employee or employees to remain in buildings or on the premises where their labor is performed.", "sources": ["https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=48-212"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "Neb. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 48-212", "title": "Nebraska \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "unverified_fields": "statute_citation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Nevada\n\n**Meal break rule:** An employer shall not employ an employee for a continuous period of 8 hours without permitting the employee to have a meal period of at least one-half hour\n\n> An employer shall not employ an employee for a continuous period of 8 hours without permitting the employee to have a meal period of at least one-half hour. No period of less than 30 minutes interrupts a continuous period of work for the purposes of this subsection.\n\n**Rest break rule:** The duration of the rest periods shall be based on the total hours worked daily at the rate of 10 minutes for each 4 hours or major fraction thereof\n\n> Every employer shall authorize and permit all his or her employees to take rest periods, which, insofar as practicable, shall be in the middle of each work period. The duration of the rest periods shall be based on the total hours worked daily at the rate of 10 minutes for each 4 hours or major fraction thereof.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** NRS 608.019\n\n> NRS 608.019 Periods for meals and rest.\n\n> An employer shall not employ an employee for a continuous period of 8 hours without permitting the employee to have a meal period of at least one-half hour. No period of less than 30 minutes interrupts a continuous period of work for the purposes of this subsection.\n\nSource: <https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-608.html#NRS608Sec019>\n", "file": "nevada.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "nevada", "jurisdiction": "Nevada", "meal_break_requirement": "An employer shall not employ an employee for a continuous period of 8 hours without permitting the employee to have a meal period of at least one-half hour", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "An employer shall not employ an employee for a continuous period of 8 hours without permitting the employee to have a meal period of at least one-half hour. No period of less than 30 minutes interrupts a continuous period of work for the purposes of this subsection.", "quote_rest_break_requirement": "Every employer shall authorize and permit all his or her employees to take rest periods, which, insofar as practicable, shall be in the middle of each work period. The duration of the rest periods shall be based on the total hours worked daily at the rate of 10 minutes for each 4 hours or major fraction thereof.", "quote_statute_citation": "NRS 608.019 Periods for meals and rest.", "rest_break_requirement": "The duration of the rest periods shall be based on the total hours worked daily at the rate of 10 minutes for each 4 hours or major fraction thereof", "source_quote": "An employer shall not employ an employee for a continuous period of 8 hours without permitting the employee to have a meal period of at least one-half hour. No period of less than 30 minutes interrupts a continuous period of work for the purposes of this subsection.", "sources": ["https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-608.html#NRS608Sec019"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "NRS 608.019", "title": "Nevada \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** New Hampshire\n\n**Meal break rule:** An employer may not require an employee to work more than 5 consecutive hours without granting him a 1/2 hour lunch or eating period\n\n> An employer may not require an employee to work more than 5 consecutive hours without granting him a 1/2 hour lunch or eating period, except if it is feasible for the employee to eat during the performance of his work, and the employer permits him to do so.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** RSA 275:30-a\n\n> 275:30-a Lunch or Eating Period.\n\n> An employer may not require an employee to work more than 5 consecutive hours without granting him a 1/2 hour lunch or eating period, except if it is feasible for the employee to eat during the performance of his work, and the employer permits him to do so.\n\nSource: <https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXIII/275/275-30-a.htm>\n", "file": "new-hampshire.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "new-hampshire", "jurisdiction": "New Hampshire", "meal_break_requirement": "An employer may not require an employee to work more than 5 consecutive hours without granting him a 1/2 hour lunch or eating period", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "An employer may not require an employee to work more than 5 consecutive hours without granting him a 1/2 hour lunch or eating period, except if it is feasible for the employee to eat during the performance of his work, and the employer permits him to do so.", "quote_statute_citation": "275:30-a Lunch or Eating Period.", "source_quote": "An employer may not require an employee to work more than 5 consecutive hours without granting him a 1/2 hour lunch or eating period, except if it is feasible for the employee to eat during the performance of his work, and the employer permits him to do so.", "sources": ["https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXIII/275/275-30-a.htm"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "RSA 275:30-a", "title": "New Hampshire \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "unverified_fields": "jurisdiction", "verified": false}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** New York\n\n**Meal break rule:** Every person employed in or in connection with a factory shall be allowed at least sixty minutes for the noon day meal. 2. Every person employed in or in connection with a mercantile or other establishment or occupation coming under the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed at least thirty minutes for the noon day meal, except as in this chapter otherwise provided\n\n> Every person employed in or in connection with a factory shall be allowed at least sixty minutes for the noon day meal. 2. Every person employed in or in connection with a mercantile or other establishment or occupation coming under the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed at least thirty minutes for the noon day meal, except as in this chapter otherwise provided. The noon day meal period is recognized as extending from eleven o\u2019clock in the morning to two o\u2019clock in the afternoon. An employee who works a shift of more than six hours which extends over the noon day meal period is entitled to at least thirty minutes off within that period for the meal period.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** N.Y. Labor Law \u00a7 162\n\n> Labor Law Section 162 Time allowed for meals\n\n> Every person employed in or in connection with a factory shall be allowed at least sixty minutes for the noon day meal. 2. Every person employed in or in connection with a mercantile or other establishment or occupation coming under the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed at least thirty minutes for the noon day meal, except as in this chapter otherwise provided.\n\nSource: <https://newyork.public.law/laws/n.y._labor_law_section_162>\n", "file": "new-york.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "new-york", "jurisdiction": "New York", "meal_break_requirement": "Every person employed in or in connection with a factory shall be allowed at least sixty minutes for the noon day meal. 2. Every person employed in or in connection with a mercantile or other establishment or occupation coming under the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed at least thirty minutes for the noon day meal, except as in this chapter otherwise provided", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "Every person employed in or in connection with a factory shall be allowed at least sixty minutes for the noon day meal. 2. Every person employed in or in connection with a mercantile or other establishment or occupation coming under the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed at least thirty minutes for the noon day meal, except as in this chapter otherwise provided. The noon day meal period is recognized as extending from eleven o\u2019clock in the morning to two o\u2019clock in the afternoon. An employee who works a shift of more than six hours which extends over the noon day meal period is entitled to at least thirty minutes off within that period for the meal period.", "quote_statute_citation": "Labor Law Section 162 Time allowed for meals", "source_quote": "Every person employed in or in connection with a factory shall be allowed at least sixty minutes for the noon day meal. 2. Every person employed in or in connection with a mercantile or other establishment or occupation coming under the provisions of this chapter shall be allowed at least thirty minutes for the noon day meal, except as in this chapter otherwise provided.", "sources": ["https://newyork.public.law/laws/n.y._labor_law_section_162"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "N.Y. Labor Law \u00a7 162", "title": "New York \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** North Dakota\n\n**Meal break rule:** A minimum thirty-minute meal period must be provided in each shift exceeding five hours when there are two or more employees on duty\n\n> A minimum thirty-minute meal period must be provided in each shift exceeding five hours when there are two or more employees on duty. Employees may waive their right to a meal period upon agreement with the employer. Employees do not have to be paid for meal periods if they are completely relieved of their duties and the meal period is ordinarily thirty minutes in length.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** N.D. Admin. Code \u00a7 46-02-07-02(5)\n\n> 46-02-07-02. Standards that apply.\n\n> A minimum thirty-minute meal period must be provided in each shift exceeding five hours when there are two or more employees on duty. Employees may waive their right to a meal period upon agreement with the employer.\n\nSource: <https://www.ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/46-02-07.pdf>\n", "file": "north-dakota.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "north-dakota", "jurisdiction": "North Dakota", "meal_break_requirement": "A minimum thirty-minute meal period must be provided in each shift exceeding five hours when there are two or more employees on duty", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "A minimum thirty-minute meal period must be provided in each shift exceeding five hours when there are two or more employees on duty. Employees may waive their right to a meal period upon agreement with the employer. Employees do not have to be paid for meal periods if they are completely relieved of their duties and the meal period is ordinarily thirty minutes in length.", "quote_statute_citation": "46-02-07-02. Standards that apply.", "source_quote": "A minimum thirty-minute meal period must be provided in each shift exceeding five hours when there are two or more employees on duty. Employees may waive their right to a meal period upon agreement with the employer.", "sources": ["https://www.ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/46-02-07.pdf"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "N.D. Admin. Code \u00a7 46-02-07-02(5)", "title": "North Dakota \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Oregon\n\n**Meal break rule:** every employer shall provide to each employee, for each work period of not less than six or more than eight hours, a meal period of not less than 30 continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties\n\n> Except as otherwise provided in this rule, every employer shall provide to each employee, for each work period of not less than six or more than eight hours, a meal period of not less than 30 continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties.\n\n**Rest break rule:** every employer shall provide to each employee, for each segment of four hours or major part thereof worked in a work period, a rest period of not less than ten continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties, without deduction from the employee\u2019s pay\n\n> Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, every employer shall provide to each employee, for each segment of four hours or major part thereof worked in a work period, a rest period of not less than ten continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties, without deduction from the employee\u2019s pay.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** OAR 839-020-0050\n\n> OAR 839-020-0050 Meal and Rest Periods\n\n> Except as otherwise provided in this rule, every employer shall provide to each employee, for each work period of not less than six or more than eight hours, a meal period of not less than 30 continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties.\n\nSource: <https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_839-020-0050>\n", "file": "oregon.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "oregon", "jurisdiction": "Oregon", "meal_break_requirement": "every employer shall provide to each employee, for each work period of not less than six or more than eight hours, a meal period of not less than 30 continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "Except as otherwise provided in this rule, every employer shall provide to each employee, for each work period of not less than six or more than eight hours, a meal period of not less than 30 continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties.", "quote_rest_break_requirement": "Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, every employer shall provide to each employee, for each segment of four hours or major part thereof worked in a work period, a rest period of not less than ten continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties, without deduction from the employee\u2019s pay.", "quote_statute_citation": "OAR 839-020-0050 Meal and Rest Periods", "rest_break_requirement": "every employer shall provide to each employee, for each segment of four hours or major part thereof worked in a work period, a rest period of not less than ten continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties, without deduction from the employee\u2019s pay", "source_quote": "Except as otherwise provided in this rule, every employer shall provide to each employee, for each work period of not less than six or more than eight hours, a meal period of not less than 30 continuous minutes during which the employee is relieved of all duties.", "sources": ["https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_839-020-0050"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "OAR 839-020-0050", "title": "Oregon \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Rhode Island\n\n**Meal break rule:** All employees are entitled to a twenty-minute (20) mealtime within a six-hour (6) work shift, and a thirty-minute (30) mealtime with an eight-hour (8) work shift\n\n> All employees are entitled to a twenty-minute (20) mealtime within a six-hour (6) work shift, and a thirty-minute (30) mealtime with an eight-hour (8) work shift. An employer shall not be required to compensate an employee for this mealtime.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** R.I. Gen. Laws \u00a7 28-3-14\n\n> \u00a7 28-3-14. Maximum continuous employment without mealtime.\n\n> All employees are entitled to a twenty-minute (20) mealtime within a six-hour (6) work shift, and a thirty-minute (30) mealtime with an eight-hour (8) work shift. An employer shall not be required to compensate an employee for this mealtime.\n\nSource: <https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE28/28-3/28-3-14.htm>\n", "file": "rhode-island.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "rhode-island", "jurisdiction": "Rhode Island", "meal_break_requirement": "All employees are entitled to a twenty-minute (20) mealtime within a six-hour (6) work shift, and a thirty-minute (30) mealtime with an eight-hour (8) work shift", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "All employees are entitled to a twenty-minute (20) mealtime within a six-hour (6) work shift, and a thirty-minute (30) mealtime with an eight-hour (8) work shift. An employer shall not be required to compensate an employee for this mealtime.", "quote_statute_citation": "\u00a7 28-3-14. Maximum continuous employment without mealtime.", "source_quote": "All employees are entitled to a twenty-minute (20) mealtime within a six-hour (6) work shift, and a thirty-minute (30) mealtime with an eight-hour (8) work shift. An employer shall not be required to compensate an employee for this mealtime.", "sources": ["https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE28/28-3/28-3-14.htm"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "R.I. Gen. Laws \u00a7 28-3-14", "title": "Rhode Island \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Tennessee\n\n**Meal break rule:** State law requires that employees must be provided a thirty (30) minute unpaid meal or rest period if scheduled six (6) consecutive hours\n\n> State law requires that employees must be provided a thirty (30) minute unpaid meal or rest period if scheduled six (6) consecutive hours, except in workplace environments that by their nature of business provides for ample opportunity to rest or take an appropriate break.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** Tenn. Code Ann. \u00a7 50-2-103 (h)\n\n> There are no state requirements for additional breaks. Tenn. Code Ann. \u00a7 50-2-103 (h)\n\n> State law requires that employees must be provided a thirty (30) minute unpaid meal or rest period if scheduled six (6) consecutive hours, except in workplace environments that by their nature of business provides for ample opportunity to rest or take an appropriate break.\n\nSource: <https://www.tn.gov/workforce/employees/labor-laws/labor-laws-redirect/wages-breaks.html>\n", "file": "tennessee.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "tennessee", "jurisdiction": "Tennessee", "meal_break_requirement": "State law requires that employees must be provided a thirty (30) minute unpaid meal or rest period if scheduled six (6) consecutive hours", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "State law requires that employees must be provided a thirty (30) minute unpaid meal or rest period if scheduled six (6) consecutive hours, except in workplace environments that by their nature of business provides for ample opportunity to rest or take an appropriate break.", "quote_statute_citation": "There are no state requirements for additional breaks. Tenn. Code Ann. \u00a7 50-2-103 (h)", "source_quote": "State law requires that employees must be provided a thirty (30) minute unpaid meal or rest period if scheduled six (6) consecutive hours, except in workplace environments that by their nature of business provides for ample opportunity to rest or take an appropriate break.", "sources": ["https://www.tn.gov/workforce/employees/labor-laws/labor-laws-redirect/wages-breaks.html"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "Tenn. Code Ann. \u00a7 50-2-103 (h)", "title": "Tennessee \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": false}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Vermont\n\n**Meal break rule:** An employer shall provide an employee with reasonable opportunities during work periods to eat and to use toilet facilities in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee\n\n> An employer shall provide an employee with reasonable opportunities during work periods to eat and to use toilet facilities in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** 21 V.S.A. \u00a7 304\n\n> (Cite as: 21 V.S.A. \u00a7 304)\n\n> An employer shall provide an employee with reasonable opportunities during work periods to eat and to use toilet facilities in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee.\n\nSource: <https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/005/00304>\n", "file": "vermont.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "vermont", "jurisdiction": "Vermont", "meal_break_requirement": "An employer shall provide an employee with reasonable opportunities during work periods to eat and to use toilet facilities in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "An employer shall provide an employee with reasonable opportunities during work periods to eat and to use toilet facilities in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee.", "quote_statute_citation": "(Cite as: 21 V.S.A. \u00a7 304)", "source_quote": "An employer shall provide an employee with reasonable opportunities during work periods to eat and to use toilet facilities in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee.", "sources": ["https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/005/00304"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "21 V.S.A. \u00a7 304", "title": "Vermont \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** Washington\n\n**Meal break rule:** Employees shall be allowed a meal period of at least thirty minutes which commences no less than two hours nor more than five hours from the beginning of the shift\n\n> Employees shall be allowed a meal period of at least thirty minutes which commences no less than two hours nor more than five hours from the beginning of the shift. Meal periods shall be on the employer's time when the employee is required by the employer to remain on duty on the premises or at a prescribed work site in the interest of the employer.\n\n**Rest break rule:** Employees shall be allowed a rest period of not less than ten minutes, on the employer's time, for each four hours of working time\n\n> Employees shall be allowed a rest period of not less than ten minutes, on the employer's time, for each four hours of working time. Rest periods shall be scheduled as near as possible to the midpoint of the work period. No employee shall be required to work more than three hours without a rest period.\n\n**Statute or regulation:** WAC 296-126-092\n\n> WAC 296-126-092 Meal periods\u2014Rest periods.\n\n> Employees shall be allowed a meal period of at least thirty minutes which commences no less than two hours nor more than five hours from the beginning of the shift. Meal periods shall be on the employer's time when the employee is required by the employer to remain on duty on the premises or at a prescribed work site in the interest of the employer.\n\nSource: <https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-126-092>\n", "file": "washington.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "washington", "jurisdiction": "Washington", "meal_break_requirement": "Employees shall be allowed a meal period of at least thirty minutes which commences no less than two hours nor more than five hours from the beginning of the shift", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "Employees shall be allowed a meal period of at least thirty minutes which commences no less than two hours nor more than five hours from the beginning of the shift. Meal periods shall be on the employer's time when the employee is required by the employer to remain on duty on the premises or at a prescribed work site in the interest of the employer.", "quote_rest_break_requirement": "Employees shall be allowed a rest period of not less than ten minutes, on the employer's time, for each four hours of working time. Rest periods shall be scheduled as near as possible to the midpoint of the work period. No employee shall be required to work more than three hours without a rest period.", "quote_statute_citation": "WAC 296-126-092 Meal periods\u2014Rest periods.", "rest_break_requirement": "Employees shall be allowed a rest period of not less than ten minutes, on the employer's time, for each four hours of working time", "source_quote": "Employees shall be allowed a meal period of at least thirty minutes which commences no less than two hours nor more than five hours from the beginning of the shift. Meal periods shall be on the employer's time when the employee is required by the employer to remain on duty on the premises or at a prescribed work site in the interest of the employer.", "sources": ["https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=296-126-092"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "WAC 296-126-092", "title": "Washington \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}
{"asset": "meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state", "body": "**State:** West Virginia\n\n**Meal break rule:** During the course of a workday of six or more hours, all employers shall make available for each of their employees, at least twenty minutes for meal breaks, at times reasonably designated by the employer\n\n> During the course of a workday of six or more hours, all employers shall make available for each of their employees, at least twenty minutes for meal breaks, at times reasonably designated by the employer. This provision shall be required in all situations where employees are not afforded necessary breaks and/or permitted to eat lunch while working\n\n**Statute or regulation:** W. Va. Code \u00a7 21-3-10a\n\n> \u00a721-3-10a. Meal breaks.\n\n> During the course of a workday of six or more hours, all employers shall make available for each of their employees, at least twenty minutes for meal breaks, at times reasonably designated by the employer.\n\nSource: <https://code.wvlegislature.gov/21-3-10A/>\n", "file": "west-virginia.md", "generated": true, "harvested": "2026-09-02", "id": "west-virginia", "jurisdiction": "West Virginia", "meal_break_requirement": "During the course of a workday of six or more hours, all employers shall make available for each of their employees, at least twenty minutes for meal breaks, at times reasonably designated by the employer", "quote_meal_break_requirement": "During the course of a workday of six or more hours, all employers shall make available for each of their employees, at least twenty minutes for meal breaks, at times reasonably designated by the employer. This provision shall be required in all situations where employees are not afforded necessary breaks and/or permitted to eat lunch while working", "quote_statute_citation": "\u00a721-3-10a. Meal breaks.", "source_quote": "During the course of a workday of six or more hours, all employers shall make available for each of their employees, at least twenty minutes for meal breaks, at times reasonably designated by the employer.", "sources": ["https://code.wvlegislature.gov/21-3-10A/"], "stale_after": "2027-09-02", "statute_citation": "W. Va. Code \u00a7 21-3-10a", "title": "West Virginia \u2014 Meal and rest break requirements by US state \u2014 hours worked before a break is owed, its length, and whether it's paid, quoted from the state's own labor law", "type": "jurisdictional-variation", "verified": true}