Statement of Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families
On Friday, March 13, Virginia’s state legislature passed HB5/SB199, giving workers the right to earn paid sick and safe leave to recover from brief illness or address the impact of gender-based violence. The passage of this legislation came alongside the passage of paid family and medical leave.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 19, 2026 – “We applaud the passage of legislation that will provide paid sick leave and paid safe leave to workers across the state of Virginia. HB5/SB199 will keep workers from having to decide between going to work sick or ignoring their own health and safety, and losing money in their paychecks or their jobs altogether. Congratulations are in order for all the lawmakers and advocates who worked hard to make this important benefit a reality.
“The bill, once signed into law, will grant workers the right to earn up to 40 hours of sick and safe leave per year, to help them access leave for short-term illnesses or safety-related reasons. This includes critically important paid safe leave to support vulnerable Virginians who endure domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.
“States like Virginia offer glimmers of hope and shine a light on what’s possible when our leaders center the needs of people and working families.
“Virginia can serve as a model for the rest of our country as we continue to push for national legislation that guarantees paid family and medical leave and paid sick and safe leave for every worker through solutions that create stronger families, businesses and communities.”
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