Virginia enacts Paid Family & Medical Leave Program

Virginia families are about to get something many have long needed but rarely had: the assurance that a serious illness, a new baby, or a family crisis won't force them to choose between their paycheck and the people they love. For too long, working parents and caregivers in Virginia have faced an impossible tension — and that is finally changing.

On April 22, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation establishing Virginia's new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, making the commonwealth one of the latest states to guarantee workers paid time off during some of life's most demanding moments. The program is set to launch in 2028.

Why This Matters for Virginia Families

As Christians, we know our families are a gift from God — one we are called to nurture, protect, and cherish, whether that's welcoming new life or sitting with the sick and suffering. These are the most important earthly commitments of our lives.

But for too long, our laws haven't reflected those values.

Only 1 in 5 workers has access to paid family leave, and two-thirds of workers say they can't afford to take even two unpaid weeks off. That reality plays out in ways that break families apart quietly and painfully — new mothers returning to work just days after giving birth, fathers missing the first weeks of their child's life, marriages strained under financial pressure, and babies placed in daycare far earlier than any of us would choose.

Virginia's new law is a step toward aligning our public policies with our deepest convictions about family, dignity, and care.

What the New Law Means for Your Family

Starting December 1, 2028, eligible Virginia workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to welcome a new child through birth, adoption, or foster care; recover from a serious health condition; care for a sick family member; address military family needs; or seek safety from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

"During life's most critical moments, whether it is welcoming a child, caring for family, or managing a serious health condition — we are committed to standing with Virginians and delivering timely, reliable assistance," said Melissa Smith, commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission. "The Virginia Employment Commission is proud to build and administer this program, ensuring Virginians have the support they need when it matters most."

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) has indicated it will release further details on contribution rates, program rollout, and administrative guidance as implementation progresses. Families and employers alike are encouraged to stay connected with the VEC for updates as 2028 approaches.