Summary At a Glance
- Maryland has finalized regulations for its Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program, establishing a timeline with payroll contributions beginning January 1, 2027, and benefits available January 3, 2028.
- Employers must prepare for administrative requirements, including employee notices, reporting obligations, and decisions regarding state versus private plans.
- The extended implementation timeline provides a planning window, but systems and policies will require updates in advance.
The Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) has officially released the final regulations for the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. Originally passed in 2022, these final rules provide the necessary framework for employers to begin long-term planning. The program is designed to provide Maryland employees with up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave for qualifying events such as bonding with a new child, caring for a serious health condition, or attending to military-related family needs.
Although the regulations are now final, the actual implementation of the program is still a ways away. Employers should be aware that payroll contributions are not scheduled to begin until January 1, 2027. Following a year of contributions, benefit availability for eligible employees will officially start on January 3, 2028. This extended timeline gives organizations the opportunity to update their internal systems and policies without the pressure of an immediate deadline.
Recommended Next Steps for Employers
To ensure your organization meets the new standards, you may take the following steps now:
- Declare Private Plan Intent: Decide whether you intend to offer a private plan. If your organization chooses to use a private plan instead of the state option, you must submit a formal Declaration of Intent between September 1, 2026, and November 15, 2026.
- Manage Escrow Accounts: Organizations utilizing private plans must be prepared to hold and manage employee contributions within a dedicated escrow account.
- Monitor Official Updates: Stay informed on evolving program details such as the opening of the FMALI portal and availability of applicable notices by regularly checking the FMALI webpage for employers.
How HR Works Can Help
The transition to a state-mandated paid leave program can be complex. Our Leave Management Team is available to help you navigate these new regulations by:
- Utilizing our leave management and tracking services to ensure employee absences are documented and managed accurately.
- Assisting with ADA as a leave accommodation and managing compliance for additional leave types, including workers’ compensation and military leave.
- Offering access to a dedicated Client Leave Portal and Dashboard for real-time visibility into all employee leave data.
- Providing employees with a mobile-friendly Employee Leave Resource Center to offer consistent support and answers to their leave-related questions.
- Reviewing your current handbook to ensure all leave policies are compliant with the new Maryland requirements.
Current Leave Management clients are encouraged to reach out directly to their designated Leave Administrator for specific support. Additionally, current Virtual Helpline or Strategic Services clients may contact the Virtual Helpline or their designated HR Consultant for tailored assistance with FAMLI planning and guidance. Not an HR Works client? Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your organization.
