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Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Act

Submitted by Countiss, Riniya M Manager of Human Resources in Office of Human Resources
April 30, 2026
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Informational flyer explaining Maryland’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFML), detailing what PFML is, how it works, and who is eligible, with contact info for questions.

Clarification: Maryland Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

A previous communication was shared regarding the Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. I would like to clarify that this information does not apply to St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM).

Instead, the SMCM community will be eligible for the State of Maryland’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Act, which will take effect on July 1, 2026. Please see below for additional details:

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The State of Maryland’s Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) Act was signed into law and will take effect on July 1, 2026.  This new law provides for 12 weeks of job-protected leave at the employee’s regular rate of pay for Executive Branch employees for qualifying family, medical, and certain military-related reasons.  

Please note that SMCM-administered PFML is separate from the State’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program which is currently scheduled to take effect January 1, 2028.  SMCM employees are not covered by the FAMLI insurance program, and PFML benefits will continue to be provided directly by SMCM.   

PFML will allow eligible employees to take time away from work for one of the covered reasons, outlined below, while continuing to receive their regular pay and maintaining their benefits and job protection.  In most cases, employees may take:

  • Up to 12 weeks of paid leave in a 12-month period
  • Up to 24 weeks in limited circumstances

PFML covers:

  • Bonding with a new child: Take time off for birth or to bond with a new child placed with you through adoption, foster care, or kinship care during the first year after placement.
  • Your own health condition: Take time off for a serious health condition—one that requires medical treatment or hospitalization. This includes planned procedures like surgery, significant unexpected illnesses, or managing conditions that need ongoing medical care.
  • Caring for a family member: Take time off to provide care for a family member with a serious health condition.
  • Caring for a service member: Take time off to provide care for a family member in uniformed service who has a serious health condition caused by their service.
  • Uniformed service family needs: Take time off to manage needs that arise from a family member’s deployment.

PFML is a separate category of paid leave. There is no requirement of prior hours worked to qualify.  The law applies to contractual and PIN employees.

Paid Parental Leave

  • SMCM’s current parental leave policy will be replaced by PFML.
  • Leave for bonding with a new child will now be provided through the PFML program.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

  • SMCM will move to a "look-forward" method for tracking PFML leave.
  • Going forward, an employee's 12-month PFML period will begin on the date s/he first uses PFML leave.
  • All eligible employees will receive a new 12-week PFML entitlement starting July 1, 2026, regardless of FMLA leave used prior to that date.

These updates are designed to better align federal FMLA and Maryland’s PFML requirements and make it easier to coordinate your leave benefits.

What You Should Do Next:

No immediate action is required.

If you or one of your members are planning for a qualifying leave on or after July 1, 2026:

  • Contact SMCM’s HR Office with any questions or for guidance on your specific situation.  SMCM HR Office:  humanresources@smcm.edu

SMCM is committed to supporting our employees during important moments in their lives.  We believe this new program provides meaningful flexibility and support for our employees and their families.

Human Resources