Maryland lawmakers amend parental leave law for small businesses

The Maryland General Assembly's Economic Matters Committee convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss a significant technical correction to the state's parental leave law. The primary focus of the meeting was to clarify the provisions surrounding unpaid parental leave, particularly for small businesses.

During the session, lawmakers emphasized that the discussion was not about paid time off or paid sick leave, but rather about ensuring that unpaid parental leave is accessible to employees of small businesses. The original law, passed in 2014, mandates a certain amount of unpaid parental leave for businesses that fall under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) cap, specifically those with fewer than 50 employees.

Committee members highlighted the importance of this correction to align state regulations with federal standards, which provide unpaid leave to all parents working for companies with 50 or more employees. This alignment aims to ensure that all parents, regardless of their employer's size, have the opportunity to take necessary time off for family needs without financial penalty.

The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts by Maryland lawmakers to support working families while balancing the needs of small businesses. As the committee moves forward, further discussions and potential legislative actions will be necessary to finalize the technical corrections and enhance the clarity of parental leave provisions in the state.