On April 8, 2025, Gov. Moore signed HB 895 into law, which amends certain military definitions under the paid family and medical leave (PFML) law and family military leave law. Specifically, an employee may now take leave for a qualifying exigency under the paid family and medical leave law insurance program (FAMLI) to attend uniformed services events (currently military events) and related activities, including family support programs related to the eligible service member's active duty. An employee will also be eligible to care for an injured or ill member of the uniformed services who is next of kin. The family military leave law has also been amended to allow employees to take a one-day leave of absence on the day an immediate family member is leaving for or returning from active military duty outside the United States as a member of the uniformed services.
The new law becomes effective October 1, 2025. All employers with at least one employee in Maryland must ensure they are complying with the new military leave requirements. However, as a result of the delayed implementation of the MD FAMLI program, employers will not be required to take any further action with regards to PFML until January 2028.
HB 895: Employment and Insurance Equality for Service Members Act