Maryland has opened employer registration for its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, another step as the state prepares to launch the program.
The Maryland Department of Labor announced in a press release the opening of employer registration for Maryland’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, marking another key step toward implementation of the state’s paid family and medical leave program.
All employers with at least one Maryland-based employee are required to register for FAMLI. Employers can register through the state’s FAMLI website and are encouraged to do so now to prepare for upcoming payroll requirements.
From the press release:
Employers are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible at paidleave.maryland.gov, so they can be fully prepared for the rollout of this highly anticipated program.
FAMLI will provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected, partially paid leave for qualifying circumstances, including welcoming a new child, addressing their own serious health condition, caring for a family member, or handling certain urgent family needs related to military deployment.
As previously covered by MACo, employers may participate through the state FAMLI plan or apply to provide a private plan that meets program requirements. For employers participating in the State Plan, contributions will be shared between employers and employees. Employers may withhold up to half of the required contribution from employees through payroll deductions. The law also provides a discount for small employers. Employers with fewer than 15 employees are exempt from paying the employer portion of the contribution, although they remain subject to other FAMLI requirements. According to the Maryland Department of Labor estimates, more than 80% of Maryland employers will qualify for the small-employer discount.
Read the full press release from the MD Department of Labor on registration.
As previously covered by MACo:
Key Deadlines for Counties:
The immediate deadline applies to counties that want to preserve the option of pursuing a private plan.
- September 1, 2026: DOI submission window opens.
- November 15, 2026: Deadline for employers pursuing a private plan to submit a DOI.
- January 1, 2027: State Plan payroll withholding and contribution period begins.
- October 1, 2027: Private-plan application deadline for employers that submitted a DOI.
- January 2028: FAMLI benefits become available to eligible employees.
Each county interested in pursuing a private plan must submit its own DOI, even if it is participating in the TCA Collaborative. The DOI is not binding; an employer can ultimately choose to join the State Plan, although State Plan contributions would then be owed retroactively, plus interest and penalties.
To complete the DOI process, counties must register in the FAMLI system, complete and upload the Proof of Private Plan Consultation form, and submit the required attestation. Bolton will provide the consultation form to Collaborative members who joined the recent webinar on August 28. If a county was unable to attend, Bolton will work with that county separately to satisfy the consultation requirement.
What Counties Should Do Now:
For counties interested in maintaining the private-plan option, the immediate priorities are:
- Register as an employer in the FAMLI system and identify an Authorized Officer.
- Complete the private-plan consultation requirement with Bolton.
- Submit a DOI between September 1 and November 15, 2026, if pursuing the private-plan option.
- Continue evaluating private-plan pricing as Bolton works with carriers on employer-specific quotes and prepares for the formal 2027 process.
