Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Sick-leave bill appears headed for passage

CARSON CITY — A bill mandating that employees earn at least three days of paid sick leave a year appears headed for approval, despite opposition from the chambers of commerce in Las Vegas and Reno.

At a hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Labor and Energy, Chairman Kelvin Atkinson said, “You don’t have to worry about opposition on this committee.”

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford, who sponsored Senate Bill 196, said some paid sick leave is not a “job killer” and reduces chances of an ill worker spreading a sickness to other employees.

The bill, as originally introduced, would have applied to all businesses. But Ford, D-Las Vegas, said the measure is being modified to impact only employers with 50 or more workers.

The bill gained the support of the Nevada Women’s Lobby, the American Association of University Women, the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, Nevada Advocates of Planned Parenthood, the Nevada Children’s Advocacy Alliance, the Nevada Justice Association, the AARP and the Nevada Contractors Association.

Marlene Lockard of the Nevada Women’s Lobby said 40 million people nationwide don’t have paid sick leave. Those who earn low wages can’t afford to take time off if they are sick or have an ill child, said Lockard, who asked that the bill be amended to allow seven days of paid sick leave.

The bill would also mandate paid time off to appear at any court hearing involving domestic violence or sexual abuse.

Ford said a person taking the three days paid sick leave would have to have a note from a doctor to verify the illness to prevent abuse.

Employers violating the proposed law could be fined $5,000.

Paul Moradkhan of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce said a survey showed strong opposition to the bill among members. It would increase costs for businesses and burden them with additional paperwork, he said.