Nevada Paid Family Leave Laws

As of December 11, 2024, Nevada does not have a state-mandated Paid Family Leave (PFL) program for private-sector employees. However, certain state employees are entitled to paid family leave benefits. Additionally, all eligible employees in Nevada are covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons.

What is Paid Family Leave?

Paid Family Leave (PFL) allows employees to take compensated time off from work to address significant family or medical needs, such as bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. PFL aims to support employees in balancing work responsibilities with essential family obligations without financial hardship.

Does Nevada Have Paid Family Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Family Leave Laws?

Yes, Nevada has provisions that differ from federal laws:

• State Employees: Employees of the Executive Department of the State Government who have been employed for at least 12 consecutive months are entitled to take up to 8 weeks of paid family leave over a 12-month period for specific qualifying events. During this leave, employees receive 50% of their regular wages.
• Private-Sector Employees: While there is no state-mandated PFL program for private-sector employees, Nevada law requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide paid leave that employees can use for any purpose, including family and medical needs. Employees accrue at least 0.01923 hours of paid leave for each hour worked.

What Counts as a Qualifying Event for Paid Family Leave in Nevada?

For state employees eligible for paid family leave, qualifying events include:

• Bonding with a newborn child of the employee or the employee’s domestic partner.
• Bonding with a newly adopted child.
• Recovering from or undergoing treatment for a serious illness.
• Caring for a seriously ill immediate family member.
• Participating in a qualifying event resulting from a family member’s military deployment to a foreign country.

Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Family Leave in Nevada?

For state employees to be eligible for paid family leave:

• The employee must have been employed for at least 12 consecutive months.
• The employee must have at least 40 hours of accrued sick leave. Any sick leave accrued beyond 40 hours must be used before accessing paid family leave.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Family Leave Time Required in Nevada?

For eligible state employees, up to 8 weeks of paid family leave is available within a 12-month period. There is no state-mandated minimum for paid family leave for private-sector employees beyond the general paid leave accrual requirements.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Maternity Leave Time Required in Nevada?

Nevada law does not specify a minimum amount of maternity leave. However, under the federal FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth and care of a newborn child. Additionally, Nevada’s paid leave law allows employees to use their accrued paid leave for any purpose, including maternity leave.

Is Paternity Leave Required by Law in Nevada?

Nevada does not have specific laws mandating paternity leave. However, under the FMLA, eligible employees, regardless of gender, are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth and care of a newborn child. Nevada’s paid leave law also permits employees to use their accrued paid leave for any purpose, including paternity leave.

Who Pays for Paid Family Leave in Nevada?

For state employees eligible for paid family leave, the employer (state government) pays 50% of the employee’s regular wages during the leave period. For private-sector employees, there is no state-mandated PFL program; however, employers are required to provide paid leave that employees can use for any purpose. The cost of this paid leave is borne by the employer.

Conclusion

In Nevada, while there is no state-mandated Paid Family Leave program for private-sector employees, state employees have access to specific paid family leave benefits. All eligible employees are covered under the federal FMLA, which provides unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. Private-sector employees should be aware of their rights under Nevada’s paid leave laws and consult their employers’ policies regarding the use of accrued paid leave for family and medical needs.