Virginia Expands Provisions for Paid Sick Leave

Virginia employees must begin accruing at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked — up to five paid sick days per year — and extends these protections to both full-time and part-time employees., under House Bill 5, signed May 20, 2026

Phased Rollout Schedule

The law scales up coverage based on employer size over 18 months

• 1. July 1, 2027, for employers with 50 or more employees

• 2. Jan. 1, 2028, for employers with 25 or more employees

• 3. Jan. 1, 2029, for all employers

   Employees may accrue or use up to 40 hours of paid sick leave each year unless an employer offers more. Employers may front-load leave instead of using accruals, and existing PTO policies may comply if they meet the law requirements.

  
  

More information

https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/may-releases/name-1118185-en.html