Lawmakers want to require paid sick leave in Nevada

Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson, middle, holds back tears as he's given a round of applause after being sworn in during the first day of the Nevada Legislative session on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at the Legislative Building, in Carson City. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford, D-Las Vegas, smiles at a colleague during the fourth day of the Nevada Legislative session on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at the Legislative Building, in Carson City. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Sen. Kelvin Atkinson, D-North Las Vegas, left, speaks with Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford, D-Las Vegas, in the Senate Chambers during the third day of the Nevada Legislative session on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at the Legislative Building, in Carson City. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson, top/middle, gives a round of applause to the family members of fellow assemblymen in attendance during the first day of the Nevada Legislative session on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at the Legislative Building, in Carson City. Frierson is the first African American to hold the position. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson, R-Nev., listens to a colleague speak during the second day of the Nevada Legislative session on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, at the Legislative Building, in Carson City. Roberson has requested a group of controversial bills, including requiring parental notification before minors can have an abortion and taking state control over public lands. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

CARSON CITY — A bill mandating private employers provide workers with paid sick leave was introduced Thursday in the Nevada Senate.

At a minimum, employers would be required under Senate Bill 196 to provide paid sick leave earned at a rate of one hour per 30 hours worked. The time would be available after 90 days of employment.

Additionally, it says an employer can limit the use of paid sick leave to 24 hours per year and limit accrual to 48 hours per year.

The bill is sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford and Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson, both of Las Vegas, as well as others. Paid sick leave is a legislative priority for the Democratic majority in both houses.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson of Henderson said he had not read the bill.

“My guess is that it’s just another burden on employers, which is ultimately going to cost jobs to the state,” Roberson said. “But I will wait to see the details of the bill.”

“It sounds to me … it’s yet another government mandate on small businesses and businesses generally, which will end up hurting Nevada workers.”

Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3821. Follow @SandraChereb on Twitter.