Evolving Paid Leave Laws: Key State Updates Employers Can’t Miss

  • 1 minute read

Paid leave laws are evolving fast—and employers need to keep up. While federal law doesn’t mandate paid sick or family leave, nearly 20 U.S. states now require some form of paid time off for health or caregiving needs.

What’s new with paid leave laws?

  • Alaska: As of July 1, employers must offer up to 56 hours of paid sick leave annually.
  • Michigan: Workers now receive up to 72 hours of paid sick time.
  • Maine: Payroll contributions for paid family & medical leave began this year; benefits start May 2026.
  • Minnesota: Paid leave program set for January 2026.
  • Maryland: Program delayed again, benefits now start 2028.

Some states, like Illinois, Maine, and Nevada, go even further, granting leave for any reason. With regulations shifting rapidly, employers must ensure leave policies stay compliant across jurisdictions, before enforcement begins. Need help navigating the patchwork of paid leave laws? ConnectBridge has you covered. To learn more, read the full article here: Which states require employers to provide paid leave?

More Resources

  • Article

Caregiver Support is Falling Short

New research highlighted by The HR Brew is a clear warning sign for employers: roughly half a million women left the U.S. workforce in 2025, and 42% of women who voluntarily exited cited caregiving responsibilities as the main driver. The

Read More
  • Article

PWFA in Texas: Enforcement Reinstated

On August 15, 2025, the Fifth Circuit reversed a prior injunction and restored EEOC enforcement of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) against the State of Texas. This means that Texas state agencies and divisions are now required to comply

Read More