Legislation that delays the implementation of the State's Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act (FAMLI) also known as the Time to Care Act (HB 102) has passed through the Maryland House of Delegates. The legislation as currently written would delay all aspects of the FAMLI program by 18 months, including the start of mandatory employer and employee contributions (from July 1, 2025 to January 1, 2027) and the start of benefits from July 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028. This change will delay any needed payroll deductions or premium payments by 18 months. 

In addition, an amendment pushed by MML exempts municipal governments from escrowing payments during the 12 month pre-funding period prior to benefits starting (January 1, 2027 through January 1, 2028) if that municipal government plans to utilize an equivalent private insurance plan (EPIP). 

In any case, municipal governments and their employees are now not obligated to expend funds towards coverage under this program until the middle of FY 2027, at the earliest. For more information, please contact Bill Jorch, [email protected]