Index
Employment & LaborMaryland, USA

Maryland Time to Care Act

Summary

The Time to Care Act establishes a state-run paid family and medical leave insurance program in Maryland, offering up to 24 weeks of paid leave under specific circumstances (benefits start in 2026).

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You can take 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child, care for a sick family member, or deal with your own serious health issue.
  • 02.
    You can take an additional 12 weeks (24 weeks total) if you experience a serious health condition that results in incapacitation AND you need time to bond with a new child in the same year.
  • 03.
    Your job is protected; your employer must return you to the same or an equivalent position after your leave.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Employers who fail to collect and remit the required payroll taxes to the state fund can face severe financial penalties and audits.
  • 02.
    Retaliating against an employee for taking leave is illegal and grounds for a lawsuit.

Verified Citations

Maryland Labor and Employment Code Title 8.3

Source
"An employee who receives benefits under this title... shall be restored by the employer to the position held by the employee when the leave commenced or to an equivalent position..."