See the following press releases from the VA House Dems (as well as a statement from Freedom Virginia) about good news, thanks to the Democratic “trifecta” in Richmond:
Paid Family and Medical Leave Signed into Law, Enabling Virginians to Care for Themselves and Loved Ones
RICHMOND, VA – At reconvene, the Virginia legislature voted to accept Governor Spanberger’s amendments to Paid Family and Medical Leave (HB1207), enabling the bill to become law. Beginning in December 2028, the statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program will allow Virginians to care for themselves and loved ones without foregoing paychecks or quality of work – strengthening the economy and protecting workers.
“HB1207 makes life more affordable for Virginia families. No longer will hard-working Virginians be forced to choose between a paycheck and caring for a loved one,” said Delegate Briana Sewell, Chief Patron of HB1207. “With today’s vote, the Commonwealth of Virginia becomes the 15th state, including D.C., to pass a paid family and medical leave law. This bill reflects Virginia’s values of dignity, fairness, and the belief that no one should be left behind when they need help the most.”
Also:
Virginia Democrats Pass Law Requiring Coverage for Contraceptive Healthcare
RICHMOND, VA – Today, the Virginia legislature passed HB1182 into law, removing barriers to contraceptive drugs and devices by requiring insurance coverage. This is one of several bills included in the Contraceptive Equity Act package passed by House Democrats in the 2026 legislative session to protect access to life-saving reproductive healthcare.
“Contraceptive healthcare should be treated as the essential, life-changing treatment it is,” said Delegate Josh Thomas, Patron of HB1183. “Requiring insurers to cover contraceptive healthcare is commonsense and will improve health outcomes across the Commonwealth.”
Also:
General Assembly Passes Governor Spanberger’s Amendments, Paid Family and Medical Leave Now Law in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. — Today, the General Assembly accepted Governor Spanberger’s proposed amendments to Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation, SB2, patroned by Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax), and HB1207, patroned by Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Woodbridge), which will now become law, with benefits set to begin in 2028. Virginia now becomes the 15th U.S. state, including the District of Columbia, to establish a Paid Family and Medical Leave program.
Paid Family and Medical Leave will ensure that Virginians can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year when they need it, such as when a new baby arrives or to recover from a serious illness or injury. Virginians will be eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave after 120 days of employment. It will provide four weeks of safe leave for survivors of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, and stalking. It will also expand the definition of family to include extended relatives and “chosen” family. Finally, Virginians who use Paid Family and Medical Leave will receive 80% wage replacement and protection of their health care coverage for the duration of their leave.
Freedom Virginia Co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks released the following statement:
“Today, after a nearly eight-year effort, Paid Family and Medical Leave is law in Virginia. This is a life-changing policy for over 3 million workers who are used to making impossible choices to care for their families. With Paid Family and Medical Leave, no one will have to choose between caring for themselves or their loved ones and collecting a necessary paycheck again. Thank you first to the patrons Senator Boysko and Delegate Sewell, who have fought hard to make this a reality. We’d also like to thank the Virginians who fought hard for Paid Family and Medical Leave alongside the patrons. This win would not be possible without their stories and their sacrifice. A final thank you to Governor Spanberger, who championed this policy from day one of her campaign and, together with the General Assembly, delivered for Virginia families. While today closes an important chapter for Paid Family and Medical Leave, it is not over yet, and we will continue working throughout the implementation process to make this policy as strong as possible for Virginians and their families.”
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Freedom Virginia is a nonpartisan 501(c)4 organization committed to building a Commonwealth where all Virginia families have the freedom to thrive. Freedom Virginia advances economic security policies through grassroots activism, voter engagement and legislative advocacy. Our efforts began in 2020 and since then we’ve pushed for a more economically secure Virginia by sharing real stories about Virginians’ lack of access to affordable healthcare, education, energy, and the need for policies that foster more safety for families. Visit our website at freedomva.org to learn more.
