Maine Becomes Latest State to Offer Paid Family, Medical Leave

Maine is the next US state to require paid family and medical leave for employees under a new law signed by Gov. Janet Mills (D).

The legislation approved by Mills on Tuesday as part of the state’s budget bill passed both chambers of the state legislature earlier this month.

States continue to adopt new paid family and medical leave legislation as advocates push for these worker protections across the country. Maine is the 13th state in addition to Washington, D.C., to enact a universal paid leave program.

The law goes into effect in 2026 and will apply to businesses with ...