In Case You Missed It: Virginia Becomes First Southern State to Establish Paid Family and Medical Leave Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Media Contact:

Nia Byas

Communications and Digital Director

Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus

E: Nia@vasenatedems.com

RICHMOND, V.A. – In case you missed it, Virginia families are one step closer to having the support they need during life’s toughest moments. Yesterday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) into law, creating a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program.

Patroned by Senator Jennifer Boysko of Fairfax County (SD-38), the legislation gives eligible Virginians access to up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave to care for a sick loved one, recover from a serious illness, welcome a new child, or handle other major family needs.

The signing marks a historic moment for the Commonwealth, making Virginia the first state in the South to establish a universal paid family and medical leave program. Virginia Senate Democrats made clear that their focus would be putting families first and making life more affordable for working Virginians. The signing of SB 2 delivers on that promise by ensuring families no longer have to choose between caring for a loved one and keeping a paycheck. 

Senator Boysko has led the fight for the legislation for the past eight years.

“For too many Virginia families, a medical emergency or the birth of a child can quickly turn into a financial crisis,” said Senator Boysko. “Families should not have to choose between caring for the people they love and keeping a paycheck. This law gives people the time and stability to care for themselves and their loved ones during some of life’s most important moments.”

During the bill signing ceremony, Senator Boysko reflected on her own experience after the premature birth of her daughter nearly 30 years ago, when her husband had to return to work just two weeks after a medical emergency because their family could not afford to lose a paycheck.

“Now, nearly 30 years later, Virginia families will finally have the grace to care for themselves or each other during serious life events without having to worry about going bankrupt,” Senator Boysko said.

The new program will cover roughly 3.5 million working Virginians and is expected to help families across the Commonwealth care for newborns, aging parents, loved ones battling serious illnesses, and family members returning home from military deployment. Here’s some of what Virginians across the Commonwealth were watching and reading about yesterday’s landmark bill singing: MS NOW: Opinion: Virginia’s paid family leave policy helps workers–and businesses Yahoo: Virginia first Southern state to offer paid family/medical leave Virginia Mercury: Virginia becomes first Southern state to mandate paid family and medical leave for workers Richmond Times-Dispatch: Photos: Gov. Spanberger signs paid family and medical leave bill NBC4 Washington: Virginia establishes new paid family and media leave program CBS 19 News: Spanberger signs paid family and medical leave bill into law WSLS: Gov. Spanberger signs paid family medical leave program into law, first southern state to do so WTVR: Virginia becomes first southern state to offer paid family and medical leave WUSA 9: Virginia governor signs paid family and medical leave bill into law WSET: Gov. Spanberger signs Virginia paid family and medical leave law 13 News Now: Spanberger signs legislation creating paid family and medical leave program

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