For businesses in Maryland, paid family and medical leave a ‘giant question mark’

Much remains unknown about a new law passed by the Maryland General Assembly creating a paid family and medical leave program, but one thing is certain: It will cost businesses and their employees money. Democratic lawmakers pushed through the so-called “Time to Care Act” and overrode a veto by Gov. Larry Hogan before the 90-day legislative session ended on April 11. As passed, the law creates a program that will give workers up to 12 weeks annually of paid time off to take care of a new child, medical problems, or a family member’s serious illness or military deployment. A parent could get up to 24 weeks if medical leave is needed during pregnancy, followed by parental leave after childbirth.