Subcommittee reports HB5 after hearing mixed testimony on paid sick leave
February 04, 2026 | 2026 Legislature VA, Virginia
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The subcommittee reported House Bill 5 on a 5–1 roll call after a public staff presentation and competing testimony.
Staff told members the bill would require employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked and apply the requirement to state, local and fee-for-service employers; health-care employees working under 30 hours per week could waive the leave. Staff said the Department of Labor and Industry would enforce the law and estimated enforcement would require 14 positions and $3,100,000 in the first year of the biennium and $2,200,000 in the second year. Staff also flagged increased costs to the Department of Medical Assistance Services related to personal care attendants—$11,000,000 in the first year and $13,000,000 in the second year, according to the fiscal overview.
Advocates urged passage. "This is gonna affect 1,200,000 workers in Virginia who currently have 0 paid sick days or paid time off," said Ramos of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, who also suggested the fiscal estimate could be lower because some home-care agencies already provide qualifying paid time off. Meg Gruber, a retired teacher representing the Virginia Education Association, said she could not imagine losing pay while too sick to work or caring for a sick child and urged the committee to pass the bill.
Industry groups urged changes. "This bill would add an enormous administrative and logistical burden for operators who already provide . . . flexibility," said Brian Vahey of the American Waterways Operators, who opposed the bill as a poor fit for towing-vessel operations and urged an exemption for the tugboat and barge industry, citing similar exemptions in other states.
After the testimony the subcommittee moved to report HB5; the clerk closed the roll and the chair announced the bill reported 5 to 1. The subcommittee did not adopt an industry exemption on the floor of the hearing.
The reported bill will move to the next committee of jurisdiction for further consideration and any fiscal changes requested by members.
Staff told members the bill would require employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked and apply the requirement to state, local and fee-for-service employers; health-care employees working under 30 hours per week could waive the leave. Staff said the Department of Labor and Industry would enforce the law and estimated enforcement would require 14 positions and $3,100,000 in the first year of the biennium and $2,200,000 in the second year. Staff also flagged increased costs to the Department of Medical Assistance Services related to personal care attendants—$11,000,000 in the first year and $13,000,000 in the second year, according to the fiscal overview.
Advocates urged passage. "This is gonna affect 1,200,000 workers in Virginia who currently have 0 paid sick days or paid time off," said Ramos of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, who also suggested the fiscal estimate could be lower because some home-care agencies already provide qualifying paid time off. Meg Gruber, a retired teacher representing the Virginia Education Association, said she could not imagine losing pay while too sick to work or caring for a sick child and urged the committee to pass the bill.
Industry groups urged changes. "This bill would add an enormous administrative and logistical burden for operators who already provide . . . flexibility," said Brian Vahey of the American Waterways Operators, who opposed the bill as a poor fit for towing-vessel operations and urged an exemption for the tugboat and barge industry, citing similar exemptions in other states.
After the testimony the subcommittee moved to report HB5; the clerk closed the roll and the chair announced the bill reported 5 to 1. The subcommittee did not adopt an industry exemption on the floor of the hearing.
The reported bill will move to the next committee of jurisdiction for further consideration and any fiscal changes requested by members.
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