In November of 2024, Nebraskans voted on ballot initiative 436, which is currently being amended by lawmakers.
The ballot initiative would have required Nebraska employers to grant paid sick leave to employees depending on the size of the workforce.
According to the Nebraska Secretary of State website, Initiative 436 would allow Nebraska workers to earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. This is intended to benefit full-time, part-time and temporary employees.
The initiative was introduced by Senator Beau Ballard and was widely supported. Approximately 75% of voters were in support of the initiative. Now, however, lawmakers are making changes to the initiative, which is meant to go into effect on October 1, 2025.
Potential changes to the initiative are being challenged by groups such as the Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans coalition, who have been very clear about their opposition of Legislative Bill 415, which was introduced to clear up confusion surrounding the original ballot initiative.
Senator Paul Strommen argues that the bill would put a strain on small businesses and their financials, which would lead to economic downturn. Because of this belief, Strommen has proposed to amend the original ballot initiative.It was proposed to exclude the following people from being required to be granted the same sick leave advantages: 14 and 15 year olds, temporary or seasonal agricultural workers or workers in businesses with ten or fewer employees.
Numerous other Nebraska senators have their own propositions. These propositions borrow some aspects from Strommen and leave others.
Regardless of changes being made by lawmakers, businesses have the ability to offer the kind of leave proposed in Bill 415, but it would not be guaranteed for an employee to receive such leave under Nebraska law.
Any changes to the initial ballot initiative would largely impact any and all people working in Nebraska, however lawmakers cannot approve amendments to Bill 415 without 33 votes of approval. As of now, there are likely not enough lawmakers in agreement for immediate changes to be made.
