Virginia Workers Gain Access to New Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Virginia is now the first state in the South to establish a state-run paid family and medical leave program, following the signing of landmark legislation by Governor Abigail Spanberger. The new law, which received final approval from the Virginia General Assembly, will allow eligible workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually to care for a new child, recover from a serious illness, or support a family member facing a health crisis. The program, created through House Bill 1207, was developed after years of advocacy and legislative effort. Governor Spanberger emphasized that the law fulfills a promise to protect workers during critical life events without forcing them to sacrifice their income. “Thanks to this landmark law, millions of Virginians will no longer be forced to give up their paycheck when they welcome a child, or when their loved one faces a serious illness,” she said. Funding for the program will come from shared payroll contributions by employers and employees. The legislation also includes additional worker protections, such as guarantees for fair pay on public construction projects, legal recourse for wage theft violations, and safeguards against using salary history to determine future compensation. Leaders in the General Assembly were recognized for their decade-long commitment to advancing the measure. Governor Spanberger noted that the law not only supports families but also helps small businesses compete by offering benefits previously accessible only to larger corporations. The paid family and medical leave program is set to launch in 2028, giving employers and state agencies time to prepare for implementation. Once active, Virginia will join 13 other states and Washington, D.C., in providing this essential workplace benefit.
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