Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA): What Employers Need to Know

On October 1, 2025, Nebraska’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) takes effect, requiring many employers to offer paid sick leave to eligible employees. This new law impacts businesses across the state—and employers must act now to stay compliant.

🏛️ Who’s Covered & When It Applies

• Applies to private-sector employers with 11 or more employees.

• Employees must work at least 80 hours per calendar year in Nebraska to be eligible.

• Employers with 10 or fewer employees are exempt from the law.

• Effective date: October 1, 2025.

📅 How Sick Leave Accrues

• Employees earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

• Annual caps:

  • 40 hours for employers with 11–19 employees

  • 56 hours for employers with 20 or more employees

• Accrual can begin on the effective date or employee start date (if after October 1).

• Employers may choose to front-load leave at the beginning of each year instead of accruing over time.

• Unused leave carries over from year to year, but usage is capped annually.

✔️ When Employees Can Use Sick Leave

Paid sick leave can be used for:

• Personal illness, injury, or medical care

• Caring for a family member with a health condition or preventive care need

• Public health emergencies, including school or daycare closures related to illness or outbreaks

Family members include children, parents, spouses, siblings, grandchildren, and others with similar close relationships.

📝 Employer Responsibilities

To comply with HFWA, employers must:

• Begin accrual tracking after an employee has worked 80 hours

• Allow use of accrued sick time as it is earned

• Accept employee-written documentation for absences longer than three consecutive days

• Provide written policies that clearly communicate employees’ rights and procedures

• Ensure employees are not required to find coverage when using their sick leave

• Maintain records of accrued and used leave for at least two years

• Respect existing PTO or sick leave policies that meet or exceed HFWA requirements—no need to duplicate

Employers with unionized workplaces may meet the law’s requirements through joint labor agreements if those agreements offer similar or greater benefits.

⚖️ Enforcement & Penalties

• The law will be enforced by the Nebraska Department of Labor.

• Private lawsuits are not allowed under this law.

• Businesses found noncompliant may face civil penalties and may be barred from state contracts until issues are resolved.

🧭 Why This Law Matters

• Reduces public health risk by encouraging sick employees to stay home

• Promotes workplace fairness and increases employee satisfaction

• Protects employers by providing a consistent statewide standard

• Keeps Nebraska competitive with other states that have adopted similar leave laws

💡 How Soarin Group Can Help

Soarin Group is here to help your business stay ahead of the curve. Our HR experts can:

• Review and update your employee handbooks and sick leave policies

• Create compliant tracking systems for accrual and use

• Develop custom training materials to inform staff

• Provide ongoing HR support and audits to ensure full compliance

✅ Bottom Line

The Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) goes into effect on October 1, 2025—and many employers will be required to offer paid sick leave. With clear rules around accrual, usage, and compliance, now is the time to prepare your policies and processes.

👉 Take Action Now

Don’t wait until the last minute.
📞 Contact Soarin Group today for a free policy review and action plan to get your business ready for HFWA.