Virginia Enacts Statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave Program

First in the South: Virginia Enacts Paid Family & Medical Leave

Virginia has become the first southern US state to enact a statewide paid family and medical leave (PFML) program. It joins roughly 15 total states + D.C. in enacting PFML.

The new program will kick off with contributions and benefit payments beginning in 2028 and provide covered individuals up to 12 weeks of paid leave per benefit year for covered reasons, such as caring for a new member of the family, a loved one who needs support, or a service member.

The law permits employers to apply to satisfy their obligations through an approved private plan if that plan provides benefits equal to or greater than those required by the statute.

As PFML programs proliferate across states in the U.S., discussions continue whether to expect similar federal action. We will keep you posted about further developments.