June 4, 2026
On May 20, 2026, the Governor of Virginia signed House Bill 5, which will require most private employers in the Commonwealth and all state and local governments to provide paid sick leave to their employees. Beginning with the commencement of employment, all eligible employees will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. While accrued leave can carry over to the following year, employees may not use more than 40 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Compliance deadlines. For employers with at least 50 employees, the legislation requires compliance beginning July 1. 2027. Employers with at least 25 employees must comply by January 1, 2028, and those with at least one employee must comply by January 1, 2029.
Violations. Employers who knowingly violate the requirements are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $150 for the first violation, $300 for the second violation, and $500 for each successive violation. Additionally, aggrieved employees can file a civil suit against the employer to recover double the amount of any unpaid sick leave and the amount of any actual damages suffered as the result of the employer's violation (House Bill 5 / Senate Bill 199, Virginia General Assembly, Effective July 1, 2027).
From WCI's HR Answers Now ©2026 CCH Incorporated and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Tags: Employers' Blog Posts