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Virginia becomes first Southern state to mandate paid family and medical leave for workers

After years of lawmakers’ efforts, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed into law a program that will allow workers up to 12 weeks of time off

Ella Gilbreath, 5, sucks her thumb while she attends an event where Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed into law the state’s paid family and medical leave program on May 11, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)

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