As Senate Passes AB388, Advocates Urge Lombardo to Sign Bill and Guarantee Nevadans Paid Family and Medical Leave

CARSON CITY – Today, the Nevada Senate passed AB388, a measure that expands on existing paid family leave policies for state employees and would create new requirements for paid family and medical leave for private employers. The bill was initially passed by the Assembly on Thursday by a vote of 26-16. It passed the Senate by an 11-9 vote (one abstention).

Dawn Etcheverry, President, Nevada State Education Association, issued the following statement:

“The Nevada State Education Association commends the Nevada Senate for passing legislation to provide paid family and medical leave for educators. No educator should have to choose between their health, caring for a loved one, or financial stability. This legislation is a critical step toward ensuring the well-being of our educators and the strength of our public schools. Paid leave is essential to attracting and retaining quality educators and building a healthier, more resilient workforce. NSEA continues to advocate for policies that respect the personal and professional needs of educators. We urge Governor Lombardo to sign this bill into law and take meaningful action to support Nevada’s educators.”

Michelle Maese and Sam Shaw, President and Executive Director of SEIU Local 1107, together issued the following statement:

“AB388 is a lifeline for Nevada’s working families. We have seen firsthand how critical time off can be when someone is facing a personal health crisis or caring for a loved one. No worker should have to choose between a paycheck and their family’s well-being. SEIU 1107 members – healthcare, public sector, and homecare workers – have been fighting for this kind of protection for years because we know how it strengthens not only families, but our entire workforce. We applaud the Legislature for passing AB388 and urge Governor Lombardo to sign it into law. This is how we build a Nevada where dignity, health, and economic security are guaranteed for all.”

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:

“Implementing a minimum standard for paid family leave in Nevada is not just a necessity, it’s long overdue. When I gave birth to my first child, it was after 36 hours of labor, a failed epidural, and an emergency C-section that later split open. I couldn’t stand without help, let alone care for a newborn. My husband had to take a full month of unpaid leave just to help me recover and keep our baby safe. That one month of lost income nearly broke us. Now, I’m pregnant with my second child and, again, my spouse will be denied paid leave during those crucial early weeks after birth. Our story isn’t unique — it’s the norm for families nationwide.

The U.S. is one of just six countries in the entire world without a nationwide standard for paid family and medical leave. It’s clear now that Washington D.C. will not ensure that parents will get the time and job security they deserve when they’re trying to start a family, or that families can care for themselves or their sick loved ones. In that vacuum, Nevada must act – and AB388 makes good on that call to action. We thank Assembly Member Selena La Rue Hatch for her leadership on this critical issue. This policy would not have been possible without the support of Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro and the Democratic Senate Caucus. Now, Gov. Joe Lombardo, the leader of the state’s so-called party of ‘family values,’ has a clear choice: Side with his corporate donors, or side with young families and give them the time together he knows they deserve.”

Kaylyn Kardavani, Executive Director, New Day Nevada, issued the following statement:

“This is a huge win for Nevadans. Today, Senate Democrats took a bold stand to protect working families by ensuring no one has to choose between financial hardship and their health or caring for a loved one. By supporting policies that prioritize paid family medical leave, we know that Senate Democrats will fight for every worker and family in our state. These kinds of forward-thinking decisions not only improve the quality of life for everyday Nevadans but also make our state more attractive to businesses and talent. This is a step toward a stronger, healthier, and more competitive Nevada.”

Stacey Shinn, State Director of the State Innovation Exchange Action, issued the following statement:

“AB388 is a victory for Nevada’s working families and a rejection of the broken status quo that has long forced people to choose between their health and their livelihood. For far too long, paid family and medical leave has been treated like a luxury benefit when in reality, it’s a matter of economic survival. Whether you're healing from a serious illness, bonding with a new child, or navigating the trauma of domestic violence, you shouldn’t be left without income or job protection. This bill finally acknowledges that caregiving is essential work. It’s time for Governor Lombardo to prove that family values matter to him by signing this bill into law and standing with Nevada’s families.”

Tess Opferman, Nevada Women’s Lobby, issued the following statement:

“The Nevada Women’s Lobby is thrilled about the passage of Paid Family Medical Leave. This is a huge step for Nevada families who could now get time off for critical life-changing events such as having or adopting a child or taking care of a family member facing health challenges. This is not frivolous time off work; this is something all working Nevadans deserve. We ask that Governor Lombardo sign this important policy into law and take a much-needed step on behalf of all Nevadans.”

Serena Evans, Policy Director of the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, issued the following statement:

“The passage of AB388 is monumental for Nevada families and victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence across the state. For too long, victim-survivors have faced an impossible choice: seek safety and risk financial insecurity, or remain in dangerous situations because there’s no other option.. The Paid Family Leave legislation, which is inclusive of paid safe leave, sends a powerful message - we believe victim-survivors, and they deserve safety without the threat of economic hardship. We urge Governor Lombardo to sign this critical legislation to help end the cycles of violence and keep Nevadans safe.”

Cassie Charles, Nevada Political Representative for AFSCME, issued the following statement:

“Our public employees have been fighting for paid family and medical leave for years and with AB388, they’re finally being heard. For the people who keep Nevada running this bill is more than policy; it’s dignity. It means not having to drain your savings to recover from surgery. It means not returning to work too soon after childbirth. And it means knowing your job will be there when you need time to care for your loved ones. Nevada’s public servants deserve that peace of mind. We call on Governor Lombardo to support the very workers who have supported this state through its hardest times and sign this bill without delay.”

Denise Lopez, Reproductive Freedom for All Director of Nevada Campaigns:

“Protecting paid family leave is a critical step towards reproductive freedom and ensuring that Nevada families are healthy and happy. We are grateful to the Senate Democrats who worked to pass AB388, ensuring that Nevada families have the time they need during these most important moments. No one should be forced to choose between their new family and financial stability, and Reproductive Freedom for All applauds our partner organizations who have worked to make paid family leave a reality. Now, we urge Governor Lombardo to sign this bill into law and give Nevadans the protections they deserve.”

Tara C. Raines, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Children’s Advocacy Alliance

“AB 388 is a win for all families in Nevada. Paid family and medical leave means parents can care for a newborn, a sick child, or an aging parent without risking their job or paycheck. This kind of support improves the well-being of all children by giving families the time they need to bond, heal, and thrive. It strengthens families, supports our workforce, and moves Nevada closer to being a state where no one has to choose between their livelihood and their loved ones. We urge the Governor to sign AB 388 into law.”

SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

###

About Battle Born Progress: Battle Born Progress, through strategic communication efforts, empowers, engages and mobilizes Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. We support, engage, and mobilize the progressive community through bold leadership, strategic communications, accountability, and education. We are on the cutting edge of new media and are the go-to source for progressive issues and advocacy for traditional media.