New Leave Requirement Begins October 1st

Nevada has adopted a new law that will require employers of all sizes to provide unpaid job-protected leave to employees who volunteer with the Nevada Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. This law becomes effective on October 1, 2025, and is designed to support employees who take part in emergency preparedness and disaster response.

How Much Leave is Required?

The law allows eligible employees to take up to 10 workdays during each federal fiscal year to participate in civil air patrol training exercises for emergency missions. In addition, employees may take up to 30 workdays each federal fiscal year when they are called to respond to an actual emergency.

Emergency missions include activities such as search and rescue or disaster response operations.

Documentation Requirements & Employer Obligations

Employees who request this leave must provide documentation to their employer. They must present certification that they have been authorized by the United States Air Force, the Governor, or a state or local authority to participate in either training or an emergency mission. They must also provide verification from the Civil Air Patrol confirming that their volunteer service is needed for the mission.

Employers have clear obligations under this new law. Employees who use Civil Air Patrol leave are entitled to return to their position without any loss of seniority, accrued leave, or benefits. Employers may classify this as an unpaid leave, but they cannot require employees to use vacation, sick leave, or other paid leave before using this new entitlement.

Review Your Policies for Compliance

Because the law applies to every employer regardless of size, it is important for all Nevada organizations to update policies and employee handbooks before October 1, 2025. Human resources teams and supervisors should be trained on the details of this law so that leave requests are managed consistently and in compliance with the new requirements.

This measure highlights the importance of volunteer service in Nevada. B

y ensuring that Civil Air Patrol members can participate in training and emergency missions without fear of job loss or loss of benefits, the state is investing in a more resilient and prepared workforce. This support not only protects the rights of dedicated employees but also strengthens the state’s capacity to respond to emergencies effectively.

By: Thoran Towler, Esq.

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