Nebraska’s New Paid Sick Leave Law: What You Need to Know Before October 2025
Starting October 1, 2025, Nebraska’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act will go
into effect, requiring most employers in the state to provide paid sick leave to their
employees. This new law aims to give workers the ability to take time off for medical
needs without losing income, while also setting clear requirements for businesses to
follow.
Understanding the details of this law is crucial for both employers and employees to
ensure compliance and to make the most of these new protections.
Who Is Covered Under the New Law?
The law applies to all Nebraska businesses with one or more employees, covering
full-time, part-time, and temporary workers who work at least 80 hours per year. This
means that nearly all employees in Nebraska will be entitled to accrue and use paid
sick leave starting in October 2025.
How Sick Leave Will Be Accrued?
Employees will earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. The
maximum leave accrual depends on the size of the business:
✔ Small businesses (fewer than 20 employees) must provide up to 40 hours per year.
✔ Larger businesses (20+ employees) must provide up to 56 hours per year.
Unused sick leave can roll over into the next year, although employers may cap
accrual at the required maximum.
Permitted Uses for Sick Leave
Under the new law, sick leave can be used for:
Personal illness or medical appointments.
Caring for a sick family member.
Handling school or business closures due to a public health emergency.
Employer Compliance Requirements
Businesses must notify employees of their new sick leave rights by September 15,
2025, and update their policies accordingly. Proper record-keeping and
implementation of tracking systems will be essential to ensuring compliance and
avoiding potential legal challenges.
Legal Considerations and Potential Challenges
While Nebraska’s paid sick leave law is set to take effect, there are pending legal
challenges that could alter or delay its final implementation. Employers should stay
informed and prepare accordingly to avoid disruptions to their workforce policies.
How McNamara Law Can Help
At McNamara Law, we help Nebraska businesses stay compliant and avoid potential
liabilities by reviewing HR policies to ensure sick leave policies align with state
requirements, providing employer training on proper leave tracking and implementation,
and offering legal defense support for disputes or claims related to sick leave violations.
For employees, we assist in understanding their rights and addressing workplace
concerns surrounding sick leave usage.
Ready to ensure compliance and protect your business? Contact McNamara Law today
to schedule a consultation. Let us help you navigate these changes with confidence.