If you own or work at a small business in Nevada, you’d better buckle up.
Lawmakers in Carson City are pushing a new bill — AB388 — that might sound warm and fuzzy, but groups like Keystone Corporation say it could wreck the state’s business climate.
In a press release dated April 3rd, Keystone came out swinging against the bill, calling it a “significant new financial and operational burden” on Nevada employers — especially the little guys trying to stay afloat in a rough economy.
So what’s the deal?
What Is AB388?
AB388 would force private businesses (and local governments) with 50 or more employees to offer 12 weeks of paid family leave.
Workers could use that time off for all kinds of reasons — new babies, medical recovery, taking care of a sick family member, or even dealing with domestic violence or military deployments.
On top of that, businesses would be required to pay those employees:
- 100% of their regular pay if they earn below a certain threshold
- 60% if they earn more — up to 150% of the state’s average weekly wage
That’s not pocket change. And here’s the kicker: the state isn’t helping foot the bill.
That’s what Keystone calls an “unfunded mandate.”
“This bill goes too far and could hinder hiring, raise costs, and discourage job creation in our state,” said Brett Sutton, President of Keystone Corporation.
Why Is Keystone Sounding the Alarm?
Because AB388 doesn’t just offer leave — it forces employers to comply or face big trouble. We’re talking civil and criminal penalties if they get it wrong.
And while the idea of helping families sounds nice (and it is), Keystone says this bill is one-size-fits-all — and not in a good way.
“The proposal may be well-intentioned,” Sutton wrote in a letter to lawmakers, “but its practical impact on businesses would be profound”.
Translation? Nice idea. Terrible execution.
How Bad Could It Be?
According to Keystone, the bill would:
- Raise operating costs
- Hurt hiring
- Kill job growth
- Force layoffs
- Make Nevada less attractive to new businesses and investors
It says AB388 might drive businesses away to other states that still believe in free markets and common sense.
And let’s not forget, small businesses are the backbone of Nevada’s economy. They don’t have giant HR departments or piles of cash sitting around to absorb expensive new mandates.
This isn’t a tweak. It’s a total overhaul — and it’s being done without voter input.
What’s the Alternative?
Keystone says it loud and clear: they’re not against helping families. But they want solutions that actually work for everyone — not just more top-down rules from the state.
“We encourage the Legislature to work with the business community to find voluntary, flexible, and sustainable alternatives,” the letter says.
They’re asking lawmakers to ditch the cookie-cutter approach and find a way that supports both workers and job creators.
Makes sense, right?
The Bottom Line
Let’s be real: family leave matters. But so do jobs. So do small businesses. And when government decides to be generous with your payroll — without asking you — we’ve got a problem.
Keystone isn’t just nitpicking. They’re defending the businesses that power this state.
So next time a lawmaker brags about “protecting workers,” ask them this: Who’s protecting the people who give them jobs?
Because if AB388 passes as-is, it won’t be the big corporations that feel the heat. It’ll be the local shop, the family-run restaurant, and the homegrown company trying to make payroll.
Stay tuned. Stay informed. And if you believe in free markets and fair play, it might be time to make your voice heard.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
