2026 DMEC Annual Conference: Policymaker Roundtable Session: Bridging Employer Experience and Policymaking on Workplace Leave

As paid family and medical leave programs mature across the country, policymakers are increasingly turning their attention to a new generation of workplace leave issues. From caregiving and bereavement leave to pregnancy loss, military family support, organ donation, and mental health-related absences, states are exploring policies that extend beyond traditional leave frameworks. At the same time, policymakers continue to grapple with questions about implementation, coordination, administration, and unintended consequences. This interactive roundtable offers DMEC members an opportunity to engage in a two-way exchange with state legislators, sharing practical employer experience while gaining insight into emerging policy priorities. Participants will explore where momentum is building, highlight considerations that can inform thoughtful policy design, and discuss approaches to supporting employees while maintaining effective and sustainable leave administration