Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program will provide eligible employees with paid leave for certain family and medical reasons. Employers with at least one employee working in the state of Maryland will have to participate in the program. Employers may provide FAMLI benefits through the Maryland state plan or through a commercially insured or self-insured private plan. Employer registration is now live, and contribution withholding begins Jan. 1.

Employers that intend to apply for a private plan must submit a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to the FAMLI Division by Nov. 15. The DOI must be accompanied by a Proof of Private Plan Consultation completed and signed by an insurance agent or other insurance company representative who has reviewed the required consultation agenda with the employer.

Employers that submit a DOI should note the following:

• Beginning Jan. 1, employer and employee contributions must be held in escrow until the FAMLI Division approves the private plan.
• A private plan application must be submitted on or before Oct. 1, 2027.
• All DOIs expire Dec. 31, 2027, and the approved private plan must cover all Maryland employees beginning Jan. 1, 2028.

Miles & Stockbridge’s Labor & Employment team is available to answer any questions about FAMLI rollout and compliance.