In April 2024, Maryland enacted significant changes to its Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, creating new compliance requirements for both employers and employees. These updates are especially important for those working through employment-related issues, and consulting our Ellicott City, MD employment litigation lawyer may help clarify how the law applies to your unique situation.
The FAMLI program, originally passed in 2022, is designed to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. Senate Bill 485 pushed back the start dates: contributions to the program now begin on July 1, 2025 (instead of October 2024), and benefits will become available on July 1, 2026 (delayed from January 2026).
Maryland employers with at least 15 employees will be required to pay a share of the contribution, although businesses can choose to cover the employee portion as well. Workers eligible for benefits must have worked at least 680 hours in the previous four quarters. Qualifying events include childbirth, caring for a sick family member, serious personal illness, or responding to a family member’s military deployment.
This legislation not only impacts day-to-day operations for businesses but also affects individual employees’ access to paid leave. Employers who fail to comply or who retaliate against workers for taking leave could face legal action, making early counsel from our experienced employee rights attorney essential.
Legal Help For A Changing Workplace
As employment laws evolve, so do the risks for both businesses and workers. At Eric Siegel Law, we provide trusted legal counsel to clients facing a wide range of employment-related disputes. Whether you’re an employer dealing with compliance issues or an employee concerned about your rights, our knowledgeable Ellicott City employment litigation attorneys can make a critical difference in your case.
Our firm stands out in the community for its depth of experience and personal attention to each case. We bring over two decades of legal experience—including service in government agencies—to every case. This background gives us unique insights into the way labor regulations are interpreted and enforced, allowing us to craft effective legal strategies for our clients.
Whether you are dealing with workplace issues related to family leave, workplace retaliation, or wage disputes, we can help. We regularly assist clients with claims involving workplace discrimination, wrongful dismissal, and unlawful denial of benefits. If you’ve been penalized for taking leave under state or federal law, our seasoned wrongful termination lawyers can help protect your rights as an employee.
As experienced, dedicated employment law attorneys, we prioritize personalized service and long-term solutions for our clients. At Eric Siegel Law, your case is never handed off—you work directly with an attorney who understands your situation and is committed to achieving a fair resolution. If you have questions about Maryland’s new FAMLI regulations or believe your rights have been violated, now is the time to act. Contact us today to speak with one of our Ellicott City employment litigation lawyers who will advocate for you and help you move forward with confidence.