The Maryland Department of Labor is encouraging employers to begin preparing for the state’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program.

Businesses with at least one employee working in Maryland are required to register online and create a FAMLI employer profile. Employers should complete this process early to ensure their organizations are ready before required contributions begin.

How FAMLI Will Work

Once benefits become available, Maryland’s FAMLI program will provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave each year. Weekly benefits may be as much as $1,000.

Employees may use FAMLI leave for qualifying life events, including:

• Welcoming a new child
• Managing their own serious health condition
• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
• Addressing family needs related to a uniformed service member’s deployment

Important Dates

Employers should keep the following implementation dates in mind:

• January 1, 2027: Required contributions begin
• January 2028: Employee benefits become available

Getting Started

As part of the registration process, each employer must identify an Authorized Officer—an individual who is legally permitted to act in an official capacity on behalf of the organization.

According to the Maryland Department of Labor, an Authorized Officer may include a CEO, CFO, COO, president, or another individual with appropriate legal authority.

The Authorized Officer will be responsible for creating the organization’s account and entering the required employer information.

Employers are encouraged to identify their Authorized Officer, gather the necessary organizational information, and create their FAMLI employer profile as soon as possible. Taking these steps now can help prevent delays and ensure compliance as the program’s implementation dates approach. Here’s the link to register.