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.
Jodi Lepaopao, campaign manager for Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans, called the proposal “disappointing,” emphasizing that voters overwhelmingly approved the law as written. “Our hope is always that lawmakers respect the will of the voters,” she said. “To see a bill now attempting to significantly weaken what Nebraskans supported at the ballot box is frustrating.”
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.
Advocacy groups, including Nebraska Appleseed, estimate that 250,000 workers in the state lack paid sick leave, with many others fearing penalties for using the time they do have. Lepaopao also pointed out that over 200 Nebraska businesses supported the ballot initiative, believing it would strengthen employee retention and local economies rather than impose excessive costs.
The exemption for agricultural workers is particularly concerning, Lepaopao added, citing a recent avian influenza outbreak in Kearney and Nance Counties. “If these workers had access to paid sick leave, it could help contain outbreaks and reduce economic strain on the industry,” she said. The timing of Strommen’s bill coincides with another proposal, LB 573, introduced by Senator Dunixi Guereca of Omaha, which aims to provide financial compensation for poultry workers affected by bird flu-related shutdowns.
LB 698 has been referred to the Legislature’s Business and Labor Committee, chaired by Republican Senator Kathleen Kauth of Omaha. The first public hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 3, 2025. Lepaopao and her campaign members plan to testify in opposition and are encouraging Nebraskans to contact their representatives. “We need to ensure that all workers in Nebraska have the right to paid sick leave,” she said.
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