For Release:
July 7, 2026
RICHMOND, VA– July 7, 2026 – The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) will hold a series of nine virtual listening sessions starting later this month to hear directly from Virginians as the Commission works to develop regulations for the Commonwealth’s newly enacted Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Insurance Program. Click the link to RSVP to one or more of the virtual listening sessions.
Last month, VEC announced the start of the regulatory process by publishing a Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) in the Virginia Register of Regulations and on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website. The NOIRA can be found here. The public comment period for the NOIRA is underway and closes on July 15, 2026.
The virtual listening session series is designed to supplement the NOIRA public comment period by establishing a space for anyone to tune in virtually, hear brief remarks from state and agency officials, and share comments as the Commission embarks on this first stage of the regulatory process.
The PFML Insurance Program will provide up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave each year to any eligible Virginia worker under certain conditions and after providing required documentation.
Virtual listening sessions are scheduled to take place on the following topics at the following dates and times. Members of the public are invited to participate in as many sessions as they wish, with the understanding that specific sessions are intended to solicit input on specific program elements. Click the link to RSVP to one or more of the virtual listening sessions.
| Date | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, 07/23 | 5:30pm-7:00pm | Series Kick-Off |
| Wednesday, 07/29 | 12:00pm-1:30pm | Workers (1 of 2) |
| Thursday, 07/30 | 12:00pm-1:30pm | Employers |
| Tuesday, 08/04 | 5:30pm-7:00pm | Workers (2 of 2) |
| Monday, 08/10 | 5:30pm-7:00pm | Self-Employed Individuals |
| Wednesday, 08/12 | 12:00pm-1:30pm | Healthcare Providers |
| Thursday, 08/13 | 12:00pm-1:30pm | Small Business Owners |
| Tuesday, 08/18 | 12:00pm-1:30pm | Disability / Patients’ Rights Advocates |
| Thursday, 08/20 | 12:00pm-1:30pm | Private Insurance Plans |
In accordance with the Virginia Administrative Process Act, there will be additional opportunities for members of the public to comment on both the process and the eventual proposed rule as the regulatory process advances in the coming months.
The link to RSVP to one or more of the virtual listening sessions is here.
To stay up-to-date on all the latest PFML news, upcoming listening sessions, and other opportunities for public input, subscribe to VEC’s PFML mailing list.
BACKGROUND
In April, Governor Abigail D. Spanberger and the General Assembly passed legislation establishing Virginia’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Insurance Program.
Beginning in December 2028, the PFML program will provide job protection and paid time off for life events, such as:
- Caring for a new child (birth, adoption, foster care)
- Recovering from a serious health condition
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
- Military family needs
- Domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking
The program will be administered by VEC. The legislation establishing Virginia’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program can be found here: SB2/HB1207.
For more information on VEC and VEC’s services, please visit: www.vec.virginia.gov.
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