Virginia Paid Family & Medical Leave: Be a Part of the Solution
Virginia has approximately 17 months to prepare for the implementation of its new Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) program, and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is already making significant progress.
Since the legislation was passed (April 22, 2026), VEC has assembled a talented team and established a comprehensive project plan to develop regulations, design technology, determine funding requirements, establish claims administration processes, conduct community outreach, and provide guidance to employers and employees.
Early Progress
The VEC has already taken important steps toward implementation, including:
- Collecting responses to its Request for Information (RFI) for PFML technology platforms to better understand system requirements, implementation timelines, and vendor capabilities.
- Providing public notice of its intent to develop formal regulations.
- Hosting virtual listening sessions throughout August with workers, small businesses, larger employers, healthcare providers, patient advocates, private plan administrators, and other stakeholders.
These sessions allow the public to share concerns, lessons learned from other state programs, and best practices for leave administration. Recordings of the listening sessions are available on the VEC website.
Key Program Milestones
In addition to finalizing the regulations early 2027, Virginia’s implementation timeline currently includes:
- October 1, 2027: PFML contribution rate published
- January 1, 2028: PFML administration begins
- April 1, 2028: Payroll contributions begin
- December 1, 2028: Benefits become available
What Benefits Will Be Available?
Beginning December 1, 2028, eligible Virginia workers will have access to up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave for qualifying events, including:
- Bonding with a new child through birth, adoption, or foster placement
- Recovering from a serious health condition
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
- Addressing qualifying military family needs
- Seeking support related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
What Can Employers Do Now?
Businesses do not need to wait until 2028 to begin preparing.
Stay Informed
- Bookmark their new website: Virginia Paid Family and Medical Leave
- Sign up for their newsletter: subscribe
- View the videos of the listening sessions PFML – Videos
- Read the legislation that sets the hard parameters of the program: SB2/HB1207.
Engage in the Process
Employers have a unique opportunity to help shape how the program is implemented.
- Share ideas, concerns, and recommendations with the VEC at pio@vec.virginia.gov.
- Attend local events and virtual PFML educational webinars.
- Participate in upcoming public comment opportunities when draft regulations are released.
- Collaborate with industry groups and professional associations to provide feedback on implementation challenges and best practices.
Final Thoughts
The most effective time to influence a new program is during its development, not after it has been implemented.
The DBL Center is committed to helping employers navigate this period of opportunity as Virginia’s PFML program takes shape. Through active participation in VEC listening sessions and ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders, our team is sharing practical insights, lessons learned, and operational considerations gathered from supporting employers across the country with state-mandated leave programs.
Virginia must build a program that works for employees, employers, and the broader community. Employer participation can help identify administrative challenges, compliance considerations, and workforce impacts before regulations are finalized.
This is also an ideal time for organizations to review workforce populations, employee benefit programs, leave management strategies, and multistate compliance obligations. Employers with remote or hybrid workforces should pay particular attention to state work location rules, especially when employees perform work across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
As a national resource for paid leave and statutory disability programs, the DBL Center has already begun helping employers evaluate Virginia’s future requirements while preparing for current Maryland PFML implementation milestones. Our team continues to monitor emerging developments and assist organizations in understanding how multiple state leave programs may impact employers who have workers cross state lines.
By staying informed, engaging early, and preparing proactively, employers can help shape a successful PFML program while positioning their organizations for future compliance.
The future of Virginia PFML is being built today. The DBL Center will continue advocating, educating, and supporting employers every step of the way. We encourage employers to join the conversation and be part of the solution.
