A pivotal discussion unfolded during the Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor meeting on March 10, 2025, as union representatives rallied in support of Assembly Bill 305, which seeks to cap Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) certification fees at $25. This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on working families in Nevada, particularly those who have already faced significant challenges during the pandemic.

Elaine Marzola, a representative from UFCW Local 711, emphasized the importance of this bill for over 7,000 workers across the state, including those in grocery stores, retail pharmacies, and cannabis facilities. "Working families should not have to continue to cover this cost while taking unpaid time off for family or medical leave," Marzola stated, highlighting that many families are already stretched thin financially.

The FMLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for various family and medical reasons, but the rising costs of certification fees—sometimes exceeding $100—have become a significant barrier. Marzola pointed out that 92% of workplaces report no difficulty complying with FMLA, suggesting that the additional fees are unnecessary and burdensome.

Support for AB 305 was echoed by various union leaders and community members, including Juanita Figueroa, a long-time UFCW member, who shared her personal experience with the financial strain of high certification fees during her battle with cancer. "I can't imagine all of the other men and women in Nevada without insurance or a union that must pay these fees out of pocket just to keep their jobs," Figueroa remarked.

The committee heard from multiple supporters who underscored the urgency of passing this bill to ensure that all workers can access the leave they need without facing exorbitant costs. As the discussion continues, the potential passage of AB 305 could mark a significant step toward supporting Nevada's working families during critical times.