Virginia Enacts 40-Hour Paid Sick Leave Mandate for Employers
Updated
Updated · Employment Law Worldview · Jun 25
Virginia Enacts 40-Hour Paid Sick Leave Mandate for Employers
3 articles · Updated · Employment Law Worldview · Jun 25
Summary
May 20's law signing requires Virginia private employers and nearly all state and local governments to grant 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, capped at 40 hours a year.
Eligible workers can use the leave for their own or a family member's illness, preventive care, or needs tied to domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking, under a broad definition of family member.
July 1, 2027 is the first compliance deadline for employers with 50 or more workers; firms with 25-49 employees have until January 1, 2028, and all others until January 1, 2029.
Employers must fund and administer the benefit directly, track notice and records, and face escalating fines plus private lawsuits seeking up to double uncompensated leave and double actual damages.