Virginia to Establish Mandatory Paid Family-Leave Program by 2028

Virginia is creating a new paid family and medical leave program that will require contributions from employers and employees.

The state previously passed a law in 2022 that allowed employers to voluntarily purchase private family-leave policies from insurance providers. Employers may still purchase these policies under the new 2026 law, but they must be combined with a separate temporary disability policy and must meet minimum requirements, which are to be determined by the Virginia Employment Commission.

Employers without a commission-approved private plan will generally be required to pay contributions to the new paid family and medical leave program starting April ...