Virginia Expands Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave Protections
Virginia enacts laws expanding paid sick leave and introducing Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Why it matters: These reforms affect employment compliance and benefits management for legal and HR teams across Virginia workplaces.
- On May 20, 2026, Virginia expanded paid sick leave to nearly all employees, mandating one hour paid leave per 30 hours worked, capped at 40 hours annually.
- A Paid Family and Medical Leave program enacted on April 22, 2026, offers eligible employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year.
- The PFML will be funded by payroll contributions from employers and employees, starting April 1, 2028, with benefits effective December 1, 2028.
- Virginia is the first Southern state to include protections for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking victims within its PFML program.
Virginia has taken significant steps to enhance worker protections through recent legislation signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger. The paid sick leave law, effective as of May 20, 2026, requires employers to grant one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, substantially broadening coverage across sectors. Governor Spanberger stated, "Virginia is making clear that a fair day’s work comes with the dignity of being able to stay home when you are sick or need to care for a sick family member." Read the announcement.
Earlier, on April 22, 2026, Virginia enacted a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program providing eligible employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually for qualifying events, a move designed to support family and medical needs more comprehensively. This program is notable for including leave related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, making Virginia the first Southern state to implement such protections in PFML legislation. Details here.
The PFML program’s administration involves funding through payroll contributions from both employers and employees, set to begin on April 1, 2028, with benefits available starting December 1, 2028. Jessica K. Looman, Virginia Secretary of Labor, emphasized its potential impact: "This law will help working families make ends meet, strengthen financial security, and provide employers with a consistent statewide framework that supports retention, workforce participation, and long-term economic stability." Read coverage on these protections.
Employers and legal advisors in Virginia should prepare to update compliance practices accordingly, especially as details on contribution rates and administration are finalized by the Virginia Employment Commission.
By the numbers:
- 40 hours — maximum annual paid sick leave per employee
- 12 weeks — annual paid leave available under Virginia's PFML program
- April 1, 2028 — payroll contributions start for PFML funding
- December 1, 2028 — PFML benefits become available
What's next: Virginia Employment Commission will determine PFML contribution rates and program administration details.