The landscape of employment law in Nebraska is shifting, and if you’re a business owner or HR leader, now is the time to get prepared. In November 2024, Nebraska voters approved Initiative 436, requiring employers to provide earned paid sick leave to eligible employees for personal or family health needs. This law is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025—but proposed legislative changes may still impact how it applies to your business. 

At Omnus Law, we help employers across Nebraska stay compliant and ahead of legislative changes. Here’s what you need to know. 

What Does Initiative 436 Require? 

Initiative 436 mandates that Nebraska employers provide eligible employees with earned paid sick time that can be used for their own health or to care for a family member. While the law’s final details are still unfolding, its effective date—October 1, 2025—is already set. 

For many Nebraska businesses, this means: 

  • Updating employee handbooks and sick leave policies 
  • Adjusting payroll systems to track accrued time 
  • Ensuring HR teams are trained to implement the new requirements 

Proposed Changes: Legislative Bill 415 (LB 415) 

In early 2025, lawmakers introduced LB 415, a bill that would modify Initiative 436 by exempting certain groups from coverage, including: 

  • Minors under 16 
  • Temporary agricultural laborers 
  • Employees of businesses with 10 or fewer workers 

Supporters argue this would ease the burden on small businesses and make implementation more practical. Opponents say it undermines the will of Nebraska voters and denies key protections to vulnerable workers. 

As of April 2025, LB 415 has advanced through initial stages in the Nebraska Legislature, but final votes are still pending as the session draws to a close. 

What This Means for Your Business 

Whether or not LB 415 becomes law, employers across Nebraska should be preparing now. 

If passed, small businesses with fewer than 10 employees may be exempt from the requirement altogether, and some categories of workers (like youth or seasonal laborers) may not qualify for sick leave. If LB 415 does not pass, the original version of Initiative 436 will take full effect—applying broadly across industries and business sizes. 

Regardless of how the legislation unfolds, offering earned paid sick time may still be a smart move. It can: 

  • Improve employee morale 
  • Reduce turnover and absenteeism 
  • Support a healthier, more productive workforce 

Steps Nebraska Employers Should Take Now 

Don’t wait for the final version of the law to start preparing. Here’s how to stay ahead: 

  • Stay Informed: Follow legislative updates on LB 415 and other employment-related bills in Nebraska. 
  • Review Your Policies: Update your employee handbook and internal policies to reflect potential sick leave requirements. 
  • Consult Legal Counsel: Work with a Nebraska employment law firm like Omnus Law to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and exemptions. 
  • Train Your HR Team: Ensure your system can track and manage accrual and use of paid sick time for each eligible employee. 

How Omnus Law Can Help 

At Omnus Law, we know that navigating new employment laws can be overwhelming—especially when the rules are still evolving. That’s why we focus on making compliance clear, actionable, and tailored to your business. 

Whether you’re a small business owner wondering if you qualify for an exemption or a larger employer preparing for full compliance, we’ll walk you through every step. We take the time to understand your operations, update your policies, and train your team so you’re ready long before October 1, 2025. 

Nebraska’s earned paid sick leave law is coming, and changes like LB 415 could affect how it applies to your workforce. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. With Omnus Law, you’ll have a legal partner who puts your business first—so you can focus on running it with confidence. 

Reach out today to get ahead of the changes and ensure your team is set up for success. 

Sources:

  • Gonzalez, C., & Wendling, Z. (2025, April 1). Conflict boils over as Legislature advances changes to voter-approved minimum wage increases. Nebraska Examiner. Link.