Virginia House Approves Bill to Expand Paid Sick Leave

New legislation would require most private and public employers to provide paid sick time for illness, family care, and safety needs.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Virginia House of Delegates has passed a bill that would significantly expand paid sick leave protections for workers across the Commonwealth. The legislation would require most private employers, as well as state and local governments, to provide employees with one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Paid sick leave could be used for an employee's physical or mental illness, to care for a family member, or to seek services related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.

Why it matters

This bill aims to provide more comprehensive paid sick leave benefits to Virginia workers, which could improve public health, support families, and protect vulnerable employees. It comes as many states and localities have been expanding access to paid sick time in recent years.

The details

The bill, sponsored by Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D–Virginia Beach), passed the House on a 63–35 vote. It includes exemptions for certain health care workers, allows employers to offer more generous policies, and establishes regulations around employee notification and employer recordkeeping. Employers found in violation could face civil penalties, and employees could take civil action to recover unpaid sick leave.

  • The bill passed the Virginia House on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The legislation includes a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027, if it becomes law.

The players

Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler

The Democratic delegate from Virginia Beach who sponsored the paid sick leave bill.

Virginia House of Delegates

The lower chamber of the Virginia General Assembly that passed the paid sick leave legislation.

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What’s next

The bill will now move to the Virginia Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate and signed into law by the governor, the new paid sick leave requirements would take effect on July 1, 2027.

The takeaway

This legislation represents an effort by Virginia lawmakers to expand access to paid sick leave, which can help workers balance their health and family needs while also supporting public health goals. Its passage in the House signals growing momentum for such policies at the state level.