Virginia Enacts Statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
On April 22, 2026, Virginia enacted legislation establishing a statewide paid family and medical leave (PFML) insurance program. T he program, which will be administered by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), will begin collecting payroll contributions on April 1, 2028 , and will begin accepting applications for benefits on December 1, 2028. The legislation significantly expands access to paid family and medical leave in the commonwealth and will impose new obligations on employers once it becomes effective. The statute creates the basic framework for the program, but many critical details will be established in regulations and guidance to be issued by the VEC before the program launches in 2028. Employers should begin familiarizing themselves with the new requirements now and develop a plan to ensure future compliance as additional guidance becomes available. Benefits Under the New Law Beginning December 1, 2028, covered individuals may apply for PFML benefits for certain qualif...