FAMLI Regulations Finalized, Marking Major Step Toward Launch

Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program continues to take shape with final regulations that include several key updates for employers and stakeholders.

Chapters 1–5 of FAMLI’s regulations are now officially in effect and published in the Code of Maryland Regulations. Click here to read the regulations.

The application window for public and private employers interested in offering a private plan will run from September 1 through November 15, 2026. Employers choosing this option must submit a Declaration of Intent during that period, while those planning to participate in the State Plan are not required to take action.

The program’s contribution rate has been finalized at 0.9% for calendar year 2027. This cost will be split evenly between employers and employees for businesses with 15 or more employees.

The Maryland Department of Labor announced announced that it will launch a pilot phase of the employer registration process. From the release:

 In the coming months, all Maryland employers will need to register with FAMLI. But before the process is opened to everyone, we are hosting what we’re calling a “soft launch.” During this time, the registration process is being shared with a small group of employers, so that we can gather your feedback and make adjustments as needed. If you are interested in registering early with FAMLI and then offering us your feedback on the process, please fill out this interest form.

As previously covered by MACo, in 2023, MACo joined with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) and the Maryland Municipal League (MML) to develop a collaborative joint venture to streamline the offering of qualified family leave benefits on behalf of interested member jurisdictions. Bolton is the collaborative’s program administrator.

Counties should continue to stay engaged with MACo and the Collaborative for updates, resources, and support as the process unfolds. MACo will continue to provide timely information as new developments occur.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.