Virginia’s new Paid Sick Leave law creates a statewide paid sick leave program for Virginia workers.
The Virginia Retail Federation (VRF) is monitoring the development of regulations implementing the new law and will continue sharing updates from the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) as additional information becomes available.
The following information is provided by DOLI to help Virginia employers understand the proposed regulations, implementation timeline, and opportunities to participate in the regulatory process.
Development of Paid Sick Leave Regulations
Beginning on July 1, 2027, Virginia workers have the right to accrue and use at least 40 hours of paid sick leave every year, which they can use when they’re sick or injured, to go to the doctor or seek other medical treatment, or to care for a sick family member.
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) is developing regulations to implement Virginia’s new Paid Sick Leave law.
On November 2, 2026, DOLI published a Proposed Regulation. The regulation will provide additional information for workers and employers about how the law will operate, including employer coverage, earning and using paid sick leave, compensation, leave administration, and protections against retaliation.
How to Review and Comment on the Proposed Regulation
Members of the public have a 60-day window to comment on the Proposed Regulation.
DOLI is accepting comments, including but not limited to comments about:
- The costs and benefits of the regulatory proposal;
- Ensuring access to paid sick leave for Virginia workers;
- The Proposed Regulation’s efforts to reduce implementation costs for employers;
- The potential impacts of the regulation.
Members of the public may view the proposed text and agency background document on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website.
Anyone wishing to submit written comments may do so through the Comment Forums feature of the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website or submit them by email to Cristin.Bernhardt@doli.virginia.gov.
Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on January 1, 2027.
Important Dates
November 2, 2026: DOLI published the Proposed Regulation.
November 2, 2026 – January 1, 2027: 60-Day Public Comment Period.
January 1, 2027: The public comment period closes.
July 1, 2027: Deadline for DOLI to adopt a Final Regulation.
Where We Are in the Regulatory Process
✓ Notice of Intended Regulatory Action published
✓ 30-day public comment period completed
- Summary of Comments Received available at the designated link.
✓ Proposed regulatory text published
○ 60-day public comment period
○ Final regulatory text published
○ 30-day public comment period
○ Regulation is effective
Stay Involved
Public participation is an important part of Virginia’s regulatory process.
DOLI welcomes input from workers, employers, organizations, and other interested members of the public as the Paid Sick Leave regulation moves forward.
DOLI will update its website as the rulemaking reaches new milestones.
The Virginia Retail Federation will continue monitoring these developments and sharing relevant updates with members as additional information becomes available.
For official regulatory documents, meeting information, public comment opportunities, and the complete regulatory record, visit the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall.
What Is Paid Sick Leave?
The new law requires employers to provide workers with a minimum of one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
Employers must permit employees to accrue at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Paid sick leave may be used for:
- Employee’s own illness or medical care.
- Care for a family member.
- Domestic violence-related needs (e.g., medical, legal, relocation).
Who Will Be Eligible?
The law applies to all public and private employers, including state and local government, with the exception of:
- Certain home health workers who are already covered under the 2021 Paid Sick Leave law.
- Certain railroad employers and employees as defined in 45 U.S.C. § 351.
- Application is delayed for certain employers with employees covered by or receiving benefits pursuant to the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
The law applies to both full-time and part-time employees.
When Will It Start?
The new program has a phased implementation based on employer size.
July 1, 2027: Applies to employers with 50+ employees.
January 1, 2028: Applies to employers with 25+ employees.
January 1, 2029: Applies to all employers with at least one employee.
Learn More
For additional information, employers are encouraged to consult the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry and the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall for official guidance and regulatory updates.
Source: Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). Information shared by the Virginia Retail Federation to help members stay informed about regulatory developments affecting Virginia employers.