The Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Act is set to undergo several updates, requiring employers to annually notify employees of contribution rates and weekly benefit amounts changes. Governor Maura Healey has also ordered a review of access to maternal health services in the Commonwealth. Other major changes include allowing employees to use accrued paid leave to supplement PFML benefits, adjusting the premium rates and weekly benefit maximums for paid family and medical leave, amending the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act to provide more flexibility for employers and employees, and allowing employees to top off their PFML benefits with other forms of paid leave.

Starting from November 1, 2023, employees who apply for PFML benefits can supplement the state paid benefit with accrued paid time off. The same date will see amendments to the PFML law, allowing employees to supplement their PFML benefits with accrued paid leave such as vacation, sick time and/or other forms of PTO.

Moreover, the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) has announced updates to contribution rates and weekly benefit amount under the PFML law, effective starting January 1, 2024. The New York State has also issued updates to the NY Paid Family Leave Law for 2024, increasing the maximum weekly benefit available to employees. Other states, such as Oregon and Maine, have also enacted their paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs recently.

This article highlights the evolution of the family and medical leave policies across various states in the United States and the legislations that govern their implementation.