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Coming in 2025: Maryland to Implement Paid Family & Medical Leave


Ok, hang with me here as this is still several years out from being implement in the state.  However, the Maryland General Assembly overrode a veto from Governor Larry Hogan and in doing so, approved a paid family and medical leave for workers in Maryland.

Beginning in 2025, paid family and medical leave will be provided to nearly every worker in the state.  Workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a newborn child, to take care of sick relatives, recover from an illness, or prepare for military deployment.  New parents that experience a separate illness or family crisis would be eligible to take an additional 12 weeks of paid leave.  As always, many are likely wondering how this paid leave will be funded.  The legislation provides that there will be a payroll tax that will be split among workers and employers with more than 15 employees.  Of note, the amount of paid leave paid out will be based on prior earnings but will be capped at $1,000/week.  However, this $1,000/week cap will be adjusted based upon inflation. 

While paid leave had become a priority for progressives in the state, Governor Hogan had vetoed the legislation on the grounds that it would be too costly to small employers as well as a belief that the funding of paid leave was too vague.  However, despite Governor Hogan vetoing the legislation, the Maryland General Assembly had the votes to override the veto.

For those in the state that had championed the legislation, this is a major victory.


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