[co-author: Karuna Davé ]

Q: What are the key highlights of Maryland’s new law providing paid family and medical leave to employees?

A. Maryland has now joined a minority of states obligating employers to contribute to a program providing paid family and medical leave to its workforce. Beginning on October 1, 2023, businesses with 15 or more employees will be required to contribute to the Family Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program, with the goal of making benefits available to eligible employees through the Maryland Department of Labor by January 1, 2024.

The bill approved by the Maryland House of Representatives provided for a maximum total contribution of 0.75% of covered employees’ average weekly wages, with up to 75% funded by payroll deductions and at least 25% borne by the employer. The final version of the bill tasks the Maryland secretary of labor with establishing mandatory rates of contribution no later than June 1, 2023.

Senate Bill 275 significantly expands the benefits afforded by the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act, which requires businesses with at least 15 employees to provide a minimum of 40 hours of paid sick and safe leave per year. The bill largely mirrors the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), with the following notable exceptions:

• Employees who have worked at least 680 hours in a 12-month period may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave (and, in limited circumstances, up to 24 weeks’ leave) to care for a new child or...

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