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Which states have mandatory paid family and medical leave programs?

A state-by-state look at where paid leave is required

Quick answer
 As of July 2026, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have some version of a mandatory paid family and/or medical leave program. Maryland and Virginia have passed legislation for future programs launching in 2028.

Who this applies to / Prerequisites

  • Employers and employees in a state or district with a mandatory paid leave program.

Key facts

  1. These paid programs generally allow for wage replacement while an employee is on leave, and some also provide job protection.
  2. Common qualifying reasons include: the employee's own serious health condition; pregnancy/childbirth; caring for a family member, including NICU situations; welcoming a new child; qualifying military exigencies; safety reasons related to domestic violence or sexual assault; and bereavement.
  3. Some other states have voluntary/optional paid leave programs that employers and/or employees can purchase as insurance products — these are not mandatory.
  4. Several states, cities, counties, and municipalities have also enacted paid sick time laws, which allow employees a few days off for short-term health needs and preventive care. Because these only cover short absences, they're generally not considered "leaves" and are not managed by Tilt.
  5. Maryland and Virginia have passed legislation mandating paid leave programs beginning in 2028.
  6. Puerto Rico has paid medical leave and paid maternity leave, but not paid family leave; its programs are not detailed in this article since Tilt typically does not manage leaves for employees working in this territory.

What if it doesn't work

  • I need details for a specific state's program: See the related articles below.
  • I need information on job- and benefit-protected leave laws, not just paid leave: See the related article on state/local job-protected leave laws.
  • If none of these apply, contact your Leave Success Manager (employees) or Customer Success Manager (HR teams).

Limits and exceptions

  • This overview reflects the states with mandatory paid leave programs as of July 2026; new states may adopt programs over time.
  • Paid sick time laws are not included in this overview and are not managed by Tilt.

Related questions

  • What paid leave programs do CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, HI, ME, MA, and MN offer?
  • What paid leave programs do NJ, NY, OR, RI, and WA offer?