EMPLOYMENT LAW NEWS
Recent Changes to Paid Leave Laws in Maryland and Missouri
By Jana Bjorklund, GovDocs Senior Counsel and Director
Recent changes in Maryland and Missouri may have implications for organizations managing leave policies in these states.
Navigating updates to paid leave laws can be challenging for HR professionals. Recent changes in Maryland and Missouri may have implications for organizations managing leave policies in these states. Following is a breakdown of the key developments in both states so you can stay informed and compliant.
Maryland’s Expanded Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits
On April 8, 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed House Bill 895 (HB 895) into law, which expands paid family and medical leave (PFML) benefits to include paid leave for employees caring for service members with serious health conditions related to military service. The new requirements go into effect on October 1, 2025 with employees being able to use these benefits beginning July 1, 2026.
Further Delay to Start Date of Maryland Paid Family and Medical Leave
Employers should note that Maryland House Bill 102 (HB 102) will extend the start date of the state’s PFML program until 2027. This bill is currently sitting on the Governor’s desk for signature based on legislative updates as of the date of this blog. However, the Maryland website already has published extended start dates for the PFML program. The website indicates the start date for employer contributions to the program begin January 1, 2027 with benefits available to covered individuals beginning January 3, 2028. Employers should keep an eye on HB 102 for confirmation the bill was signed.
Missouri’s Paid Sick Leave Now in Effect May 1, 2025
In a decision issued on April 29, 2025, the Missouri Supreme Court held that the voter-approved law under Proposition A was valid. Thus, the paid sick leave law under Proposition A begins May 1, 2025. Under the law, employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 must provide paid sick leave accruals to their employees at a rate of 1 hour paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 employees must allow employees to earn at least 40 hours per year. Larger employers must allow employees to earn at least 56 hours paid sick leave per year.
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Continued Threat of Repeal
There is currently a legislative effort to repeal the paid sick leave provisions of Proposition A under Missouri House Bill 567. This bill has cleared the House and awaits action in the Senate. The Missouri legislative session ends May 16, 2025. Even though the law is effective now, employers in Missouri should continue to monitor developments in the state legislature closely and be prepared for potential adjustments.
Conclusion
For HR teams, compliance is not simply about meeting legal requirements, it’s about fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being. Paid leave laws are evolving to meet the needs of today’s workforce. For support in managing paid leave laws across the country, GovDocs’ Paid Leave Product can give employers the detailed information and updates necessary to maintain compliance in the ever-changing landscape of paid leave laws.
This Employment Law News blog is intended for market awareness only, it is not to be used for legal advice or counsel.
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