Nebraska Labor Laws

Nebraska Sick Leave Law: Accrual, Caps and Who Is Covered — Best Proven Guide (2026)

By Oleg Kachko · Updated October 8, 2026
✓ Verified October 2026

The Nebraska sick leave law gives you 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, after 80 hours of work in the state, capped at 56 hours a year at employers of 20 or more, 40 hours at employers of 11 to 19, for employers of 11 or more (the 2025 amendment exempted smaller employers, under-16 workers and temporary farm workers).

This guide gives the exact nebraska sick leave law rule with the date we verified it, the statute, and what to do next. Rules verified against Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Standards on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Standards or an attorney before you rely on it.

Nebraska Sick Leave Law at a Glance

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Law Yes — paid sick leave
Accrual 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, after 80 hours of work in the state
Annual cap 56 hours a year at employers of 20 or more, 40 hours at employers of 11 to 19
Who is covered Employers of 11 or more (the 2025 amendment exempted smaller employers, under-16 workers and temporary farm workers)
Statute Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (Initiative 436 of 2024, as amended by LB 415 of 2025)
In effect since October 1, 2025

Nebraska Sick Leave Law: The Rule

1 hour for every 30 hours worked, after 80 hours of work in the state. 56 hours a year at employers of 20 or more, 40 hours at employers of 11 to 19. Covered: employers of 11 or more (the 2025 amendment exempted smaller employers, under-16 workers and temporary farm workers).

The statute is Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (Initiative 436 of 2024, as amended by LB 415 of 2025), in effect since October 1, 2025.

⚠ Nebraska sick leave law: 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, after 80 hours of work in the state; 56 hours a year at employers of 20 or more, 40 hours at employers of 11 to 19. In effect since October 1, 2025.

What Nebraska Sick Leave Law Lets You Use Leave For

Under the Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, covered workers may generally use paid sick time for their own illness, injury, health condition or medical care, or to care for a family member with one. It also covers a business closure, or a child’s school or care closure, ordered by a public official because of a public health emergency.

It also covers a need to self-isolate, or to care for an isolating family member, because of a communicable disease. NDOL’s notice does not list a separate safe-leave use for domestic violence, so confirm with the state agency before relying on that use.

Nebraska Sick Leave Law at a Glance

Rules verified against Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Standards on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Standards or an attorney before you rely on it. The statute row is where to check it yourself.

Law Yes — paid sick leave
Accrual 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, after 80 hours of work in the state
Annual cap 56 hours a year at employers of 20 or more, 40 hours at employers of 11 to 19
Who is covered Employers of 11 or more (the 2025 amendment exempted smaller employers, under-16 workers and temporary farm workers)
Statute Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (Initiative 436 of 2024, as amended by LB 415 of 2025)
In effect since October 1, 2025

Accrual, Caps and Carryover Under Nebraska Sick Leave Law

1 hour for every 30 hours worked, after 80 hours of work in the state; 56 hours a year at employers of 20 or more, 40 hours at employers of 11 to 19. Workers may ask for sick time orally, and an employer may require reasonable notice only if its procedure is in writing and given to employees.

Documentation may be requested only for absences longer than the consecutive-workday limit set by the Act. A health care provider’s note or the worker’s own written statement generally qualifies, and employers may not demand details of the health condition.

The leave is paid at your regular rate for the covered employers above; smaller employers in some states must give the time unpaid.

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Nebraska Sick Leave Law and Retaliation

The Act prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who request or use paid sick time, and employers may not require a worker to find a replacement as a condition of taking leave. After the 2025 amendments, workers generally take violations to NDOL as a complaint rather than suing the employer directly.

Local Rules and Nebraska Sick Leave Law

Some cities add their own paid-leave ordinance on top of state law; the more generous rule applies.

Other Nebraska Sick Leave Law Rules to Know

Collective bargaining agreements can modify the rules, and new laws usually take effect on January 1 — check the effective date on this page.

Denied the leave you earned? The labor department enforces the sick-leave law for free.

Contact Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Standards

Nebraska — the bottom line

  • The nebraska sick leave law gives 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, after 80 hours of work in the state.
  • Under the nebraska sick leave law the cap is 56 hours a year at employers of 20 or more, 40 hours at employers of 11 to 19.
  • The nebraska sick leave law protects you from retaliation for using the leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is paid sick leave required in Nebraska?

Yes. 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, after 80 hours of work in the state.

How much sick leave do I get under Nebraska sick leave law?

56 hours a year at employers of 20 or more, 40 hours at employers of 11 to 19.

Which employers are covered by the Nebraska sick leave law?

Employers of 11 or more (the 2025 amendment exempted smaller employers, under-16 workers and temporary farm workers).

Can I be fired for using sick leave in Nebraska?

The Act prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who request or use paid sick time, and employers may not require a worker to find a replacement as a condition of taking leave.

When did the Nebraska sick leave law take effect?

October 1, 2025.

Official Nebraska Sources & Resources

This nebraska sick leave law guide was last verified against official Nebraska sources in October 2026. Rules change — confirm the current figure with the state agency or a licensed attorney.

More Nebraska Workplace Rights Guides

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. My Unemployment Rights is an independent educational resource, not a government agency and not a law firm. Final-paycheck deadlines, penalties and non compete rules change — every figure here carries the date we verified it. Confirm the current rule with your state labor department or a licensed attorney before you act.

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