Employers in Maine need to be prepared to make payroll deductions and submit quarterly earnings statements under the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program, starting on January 1, 2025.
Articles About Maine Labor and Employment Law.
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Update: Labor Department Releases Finalized Rules
On December 4, 2024, the Maine Department of Labor (DOL) adopted finalized rules for the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program (PFML). This rulemaking follows the Maine Legislature’s passage of the new law in 2023. Employer contributions and employee pay deductions to fund these benefits begin on Jan. 1,
Maine Adopts Final Rules for Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
Maine joins 13 other states and Washington, D.C. in implementing a paid family and medical leave program. Maine’s program, which will provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year, covers all eligible employees of private and public employers, except employees of the federal government, in the state regardless
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Update: Labor Department Releases Revised Proposed Rules
The Maine Department of Labor (DOL) announced revised proposed rulemaking for the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. This comes on the heels of the first draft of proposed rules issued on May 20, 2024.
Public comment is open through Sept. 30, 2024. Comments can be submitted here.
Maine DOL’s rulemaking
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Start Date for Payroll Withholdings and Quarterly Wage Reports Is January 1, 2025
The start date for payroll withholdings and submissions of quarterly wage reports under the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (MPFML) Program is January 1, 2025, leaving employers with a sense of urgency as the compliance date nears. Under the current rules, employers may not apply for private plan substitutions
Maine Department of Labor Releases Proposed Rules for Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
The Maine Department of Labor announced proposed rulemaking on May 20, 2024, to implement the upcoming Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program.
Maine DOL’s rulemaking has been expected following the Maine Legislature’s passage of the new law in 2023. Employees can begin receiving paid leave benefits effective on May
Maine DOL Issues Proposed Rules for Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
The Maine Department of Labor published proposed rules for Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Program on May 20, 2024, providing initial clarification for employers regarding covered employees, contribution amounts, substitution of private plans, and other facets of the program established in July 2023. Public comment is available
Maine Paid Leave Insurance Fund Contributions to Begin in 2025, Rulemaking Process Imminent
Maine employers may be preparing to comply with Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program as required payroll contributions to the PFML Insurance Fund are set to begin on January 1, 2025, but questions remain as the state has yet to adopt final rules for implementing this new and
Maine Governor Vetoes Restrictions on Non-Competition Agreements
Maine Governor Janet Mills has vetoed legislation that would have severely restricted the contexts in which Maine employers could use and enforce non-compete agreements.
First Circuit Says Maine Equal Pay Law Does Not Require Discriminatory Intent
On February 1, 2024, the First Circuit Court of Appeals held that a plaintiff alleging a violation of the Maine Equal Pay Law (MEPL) does not need to show additional discriminatory intent beyond establishing that an employer paid male and female employees in comparable jobs differently.
Hazard Pay Now in Effect for Nearly All Portland, Maine Employees
On January 11, 2024, Maine Governor Janet Mills declared a state of civil emergency for coastal counties in Maine impacted by flooding caused by a storm earlier in the week. The state of emergency covers eight counties, including Cumberland County – Maine’s most populous county and the home to
Nearly Every Employee in Portland, Maine Entitled to Hazard Pay Due to Hurricane Lee Emergency Declaration
On September 14, 2023, Maine Governor Janet Mills declared a state of emergency due to Hurricane Lee’s anticipated landfall on the Pine Tree state. Although this declaration is a seemingly routine measure to ramp up natural disaster response preparedness, it has triggered a costly hazard pay measure for nearly
Maine Raises Discrimination Damages Caps and Expands Employee Protections
Maine recently wrapped a busy 2023 legislative session that brought several significant legal changes relevant for employers. Those changes include increasing the cap on damages for violations of the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA), expanding the protections of Maine Equal Pay Law to include race, amending the Workers’ Compensation Act
Maine Enacts New Paid Family and Medical Leave Act
Beginning May 1, 2026, Maine’s new paid family leave law will allow Maine employees up to 12 weeks of family and medical leave benefits over a one-year period.
Maine Legislative Roundup: New Employment Laws Were Enacted This Session
The First Special Session of the 131st Maine Legislature included debate about more than 2,000 bills. Many that were adopted will impact employers in the Pine Tree State. Below is a brief summary of important employment law changes enacted this session.
An Act to Create the Maine Paid Family