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Virginia Gov. Signs Paid Family Leave, Wage Reform Bills

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed amendments creating a paid family and medical leave program in Virginia.
The program lets workers care for a loved one, recover from serious illness, or welcome a new child without losing pay.
Recent bills HB569, SB518, HB238, HB636 and SB215 modernize prevailing-wage rates, create wage-theft enforcement, and prohibit use of prior salary history to curb pay disparities.

History

Historical Context

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), signed by President Bill Clinton on February 5, 1993, allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family and medical reasons without losing their jobs, impacting over 20 million workers annually. Virginia's recent amendments, including paid family leave, reflect a growing trend toward enhancing worker support, potentially influencing national reforms in employee benefits.

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Story summary

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed amendments creating a paid family and medical leave program in Virginia.
The program lets workers care for a loved one, recover from serious illness, or welcome a new child without losing pay.
Recent bills HB569, SB518, HB238, HB636 and SB215 modernize prevailing-wage rates, create wage-theft enforcement, and prohibit use of prior salary history to curb pay disparities.

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