RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In the nick of time, Virginia lawmakers passed several key pieces of legislation before the 2026 Regular General Assembly Session ended on Saturday.  The Democratic-controlled General Assembly came to an agreement on bills to create a state-run paid family and medical leave program in Virginia. The bills could give qualified Virginians paid time off starting in December 2028 if they have a baby, have a serious health condition or need to care for certain sick family members with serious health matters.  “This again, will allow people to have 12 weeks off after paying for an insurance premium each month, and if you make $50,000, the actuarial studies have shown that it would be about the cost of a cup of coffee, around $5 a week,” State Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax) recently said.  However, Republicans oppose the measures, saying because employees and employers will pay into the program, it will act as a pay cut for Virginians.  “This money will come out of their paychecks, they will make less money as a result of this program,” said Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle on the Senate floor.  Lawmakers also sent bills to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk that will require most employers to provide paid sick time off to their employees.  Meanwhile, on creating a retail marijuana market, lawmakers compromised on a Jan. 1 start date, if the bills are signed into law by Spanberger.  ...read more read less