In 2022, the Maryland General Assembly approved the Time to Care Act. This act sets up a paid family and medical leave insurance program for Maryland employers. The $1.6 billion program offers up to 24 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees. It will be funded by both employers and employees and managed by the State. The program was initially set to start in October 2023, but changes in the 2023 session pushed the start dates to October 1, 2024, and January 1, 2026. The Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) is responsible for implementing the Act by January 1, 2024.
The MDOL’s new Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) has set up a process to meet the deadline. This process has six phases, each focusing on a different topic. Each phase starts with a discussion document from the FAMLI Division, followed by a virtual public meeting for feedback.
After several weeks, the FAMLI Division releases draft regulations for public comment. The feedback received will be considered in the development of the final regulations.