A newly introduced bill in the Nebraska Legislature could significantly
alter the state’s upcoming paid sick leave law, which received
overwhelming support from voters in the November 2024 election.
Legislative Bill 698, sponsored by freshman Senator Paul Strommen of
Sidney, seeks to roll back key provisions of the law before it takes
effect on October 1, 2025.
The bill proposes two major changes: first, exempting certain categories
of workers—including agricultural workers, seasonal and temporary
employees, and those under the age of 16—from earning paid sick leave.
Small businesses with 10 or fewer employees would also be excluded.
Second, it would eliminate protections that prevent employers from
retaliating against workers who take their legally earned sick leave.
Under the current law, employees will earn one hour of paid sick time for
every 30 hours worked. Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees must
provide at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year, while larger
employers must offer up to 56 hours annually. The initiative passed with
majority support in all 49 legislative districts and in 89 of Nebraska’s
93 counties.
