Starting Oct. 1, a new law — the Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplace Act — will change sick leave requirements in the state. Employers with at least 11 employees will have to provide sick time to their staff. Owner-operators or employers with fewer than 11 employees or seasonal or temporary employees aren’t impacted.
New Law Rules
- Employers with 11-19 staff members: Employees who have worked at least 80 consecutive hours in the calendar year accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked — up to a minimum of 40 hours.
- Employers with 11-19 staff members: Employees who have worked at least 80 consecutive hours in the calendar year accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked — up to a minimum of 56 hours.
Eligibility Requirements
Employees must have worked at least 80 consecutive hours at some point during the year. New employees start accruing sick time after they’ve worked 80 consecutive hours. These hours can be frontloaded if the employer prefers.
Other Requirements
Sick time carries over year to year but is not payable at termination. Employers can decide to pay out unused sick time at the end of each year. A new accrual period begins at the start of the new year. Sick time is paid at the employee’s regular rate.
Informational Requirements
Employees must receive a statement each pay period that shows the available hours, hours used, and amounts paid for used sick time.
If you have questions about this new rule, let us know.