More than 100,000 Nebraska workers began accruing paid sick leave today under a new statewide law approved by voters last fall, though recent legislative changes will leave roughly 140,000 others excluded from the protections.
The Nebraska Healthy Families & Workplaces Act, passed by nearly 75% of voters as Initiative 436 in November 2024, requires employers with 11 or more workers to provide paid sick time. Employees become eligible after 80 hours of employment, at which point they earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
Workers at businesses with 11 to 19 employees may accrue up to 40 hours of paid sick time per year, while those at larger employers with 20 or more staff may accrue up to 56 hours annually. Employers may choose to offer more than the required minimums.
The Nebraska Department of Labor began requiring employers to distribute written notice of the law and post state-provided informational signage in English and Spanish beginning September 15.
Paid sick time may be used for illness, injury or preventative care involving the employee or a family member, as well as school or childcare closures during public health emergencies. The law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who request or use accrued time.
Supporters of the measure called its implementation a long-awaited protection for working families.
“Today is a day to celebrate our collective efforts to ensure that working families in Nebraska can thrive,” said Jodi Lepaopao, campaign manager for Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans, the coalition behind Initiative 436. “Tens of thousands of hardworking Nebraskans no longer have to choose between paying their bills or caring for their health.”
However, paid sick leave advocates noted that the Nebraska Legislature scaled back the policy earlier this year. Through LB415, lawmakers exempted businesses with 10 or fewer employees as well as seasonal and temporary agricultural workers and workers under the age of 16.
“Paid sick leave protections were removed from 140,000 Nebraskans,” said Ken Smith, Economic Justice Program Director at Nebraska Appleseed. “These hardworking Nebraskans will continue to face the difficult decision between earning a paycheck and caring for their families and health.”
The Department of Labor has published compliance guidance and FAQs at dol.nebraska.gov, and questions may be directed to NDOL.LaborStdrdsInquiries@nebraska.gov.