Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance programme, known as FAMLI, is now officially open for employer registration, with Governor Wes Moore urging swift action.
Any business with at least one Maryland-based employee is required to register through the Maryland Department of Labor’s dedicated FAMLI portal.
Governor Wes Moore has actively encouraged employers to complete registration as soon as possible to ensure full compliance ahead of upcoming contribution deadlines.
The programme will provide employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off worth up to $1,000 a week when benefits become available.
Eligible reasons for leave include welcoming a new child, managing a serious personal or family health condition, or addressing urgent family needs related to military deployment.
Maryland officials have framed the programme as a tool to help employers recruit and retain talent in a competitive regional labour market.
Neighbouring jurisdictions including DC, Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia already offer or will soon offer comparable family and medical leave benefits, increasing pressure on Maryland employers to remain competitive.
FAMLI operates as an insurance programme where contributions flow into a dedicated fund, providing partial wage replacement during periods of leave and offering financial predictability for both workers and employers.
Employers may choose to participate in FAMLI’s State Plan or apply to administer an approved private plan as an alternative to the government scheme.
Under the State Plan, funding comes through quarterly contributions from both employers and employees, with employers permitted to withhold up to half of the contribution rate from employees via payroll deductions.
Smaller businesses with fewer than 15 employees will qualify for a small employer discount, exempting them from paying the employer’s portion of the contribution entirely.
Employers are required to register and begin making contributions in January 2027, with employee benefits through the state programme set to begin in January 2028.