Washington, D.C. — Virginia’s legislature passed legislation that would guarantee nearly all workers in the commonwealth access to paid family and medical leave, marking a major step forward for economic security and workplace protections. A new analysis from the Center for American Progress highlights what Virginians need to know about this legislation and what comes next.
With the governor’s expected signature, Virginia would become the 14th state, along with Washington, D.C., to establish a statewide paid family and medical leave program, ensuring workers can take time off to care for themselves or loved ones without sacrificing their income.
“For too long, workers have been forced to choose between caring for themselves or their families and earning a paycheck,” said Molly Weston Williamson, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and author of the analysis. “This legislation ensures that Virginians can take the time they need to recover from illness, welcome a new child, or care for a loved one while still supporting their families.”
CAP’s analysis of the legislation highlights several key features of Virginia’s new paid leave program:
- Nearly all workers will be covered. The law applies to private sector workers and local government employees regardless of employer size and includes both full-time and part-time workers. Self-employed workers will also have the option to opt in to coverage.
- Workers can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave. Employees will be able to take leave for their own serious health conditions, to care for a loved one, to bond with a new child, or for certain safety and military deployment-related needs.
- Workers on leave will still receive wages. Virginians taking leave will receive 80 percent of their average weekly wages, up to a cap tied to the state’s average weekly wage.
- Workers’ jobs and health coverage will be protected. Employees will have the right to return to their job after leave and will maintain their employer-sponsored health coverage while out.
- The program will operate as a statewide insurance system. Paid leave will be funded through shared employer and employee contributions and administered by the state, allowing workers to apply directly for benefits when they need leave.
- Paid leave will support Virginia small businesses and a thriving economy. By investing in paid leave, Virginia will offer small businesses a level playing field to compete for the best employees while reaping the benefits of paid leave.
Under the legislation, workers and employers will begin contributing to and benefiting from the program in 2028.
Read the column: “Fast Facts About Paid Leave in Virginia” by Molly Weston Williamson.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].