Paid Family and Medical Leave Trends and Insights

This document is a report on the current landscape and trends surrounding Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) in the United States. It outlines the absence of a federal PFML program while highlighting the actions taken by individual states to create and enhance their own statutory programs. The report details the legislative activities in 2024, noting that 199 PFML bills were reviewed across 36 states, with three new voluntary laws passed in Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina. It discusses the implications of the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA) and the ongoing discussions among federal representatives regarding best practices in PFML. The report also presents emerging themes in PFML, such as the shift towards voluntary programs and the expansion of qualifying events for leave. Additionally, it includes an employer requirements checklist to assist businesses in navigating their obligations under various state laws. The document concludes with projections for PFML access among U.S. workers by 2026.