What Employers Need to Know About Paid Leave Laws

Paid leave, in its many forms, has become a flashpoint for employment law across the U.S.

This whitepaper, updated in September 2026, breaks down the paid leave laws employers face today, from the federal FMLA baseline to the state and local requirements that vary widely by jurisdiction and complicate recordkeeping, benefits, payroll, and more.

Inside, you’ll find:

• The key differences between paid leave for any reason, paid sick leave, and paid family and medical leave, plus how the FMLA shaped today’s laws
• The latest updates from 18 states, Washington, D.C., and a growing list of cities and counties, with three maps showing where each law applies
• How accrual rates, reasons for use, and other requirements compare across jurisdictions, and what the future holds for compliance and enforcement