VA Paid Sick Leave Bill Signed Into Law, Favola-Backed Measure Expands Worker Benefits

RICHMOND, VA — Virginia workers will be eligible for paid sick leave under legislation signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), expanding access to paid leave across the state beginning in 2027.

The new law requires employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to five paid sick days per year. The policy applies to full-time and part-time workers.

State Sen. Barbara Favola (D), who represents parts of Arlington, was the chief patron of Senate Bill 199. Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia Beach) carried the identical House Bill 5.

“Virginia workers deserve to be treated with dignity,” Favola said in a statement released by the governor’s office. “That means being able to take time off to see a doctor when you are sick without the fear of losing a job and sacrificing the ability to support your family.”

Spanberger said the law is intended to allow workers to take time off when they or a family member are sick without losing pay.

Also See ...

• Governor Spanberger Signs VA Assault Weapons Ban Patroned By 2 Fairfax Lawmakers
• Fairfax Chairman Apologizes After Calling School Board Member A 'Bimbo'
• Spanberger Signs Health Care Bills At Inova In Fairfax, Capping Insulin Costs, Expanding Coverage

“When working families are forced to come to work when they are sick or choose between caring for a sick child and losing a paycheck, it’s bad for them, their families, their colleagues, and the businesses that depend on healthy, reliable employees,” Spanberger said.

According to the governor’s office, about 1.2 million private-sector workers in Virginia currently do not have paid sick leave. The administration said the law will be phased in based on employer size before taking full effect statewide.

The legislation also allows employees to use paid sick leave to care for family members or for circumstances related to domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking. Employers may offer more generous leave policies than the minimum required under the law.

Certain provisions of the law take effect July 1, 2027, according to PolicyEngage.

Read the full text of Senate Bill 199 here: SB199 Bill Details