New Lockton webcast series addresses the latest changes to leave law compliance

With 2026 quickly approaching, employers face an increasingly complex patchwork of new and amended state leave laws. To address these compliance challenges, Lockton is introducing its Fall 2025 Paid Leave Webcast Series, presented by our Integrated Absence Solutions practice and HR Compliance Consulting team.

This series of free, one-hour webcasts will explore the new Paid Family and Medical Leave programs launching in Delaware and Minnesota, provide updates on existing state PFML programs, and review recent changes to mandated paid sick leave and other leave obligations.

We’ll round out the series with a webcast highlighting the top five leave compliance issues of 2025. Throughout these five webcasts, we’ll share practical guidance to help your organization stay ahead of the changes.

Read on to learn more and register for any of the webcasts:

Countdown to compliance: Minnesota paid leave contributions and benefits

2-3 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025

Speakers: Paula Day, JD and Brad Bakerink

The clock is ticking. On Jan. 1, 2026, Minnesota’s Paid Leave program goes into effect—with both contributions and benefits beginning on day one. Are you ready?

Join us for a timely and practical discussion on what employers need to do now to prepare. We’ll walk through key components of the program, critical compliance dates, and how to integrate these new requirements into your existing leave framework.

Topics include:

  • Overview of the Minnesota Paid Leave program

  • Employer responsibilities: contributions and reporting

  • Key deadlines and implementation timelines

  • Final rules and updated FAQs from the state

  • Coordinating Minnesota Paid Leave with PTO, sick leave, and disability plans

  • Submitting and managing equivalent plan applications

Don’t miss this opportunity to get ahead of one of 2026’s most significant compliance developments.

REGISTER HERE (opens a new window)

Delaware paid leave: Preparing for program launch

2-3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

Speakers: Sierra Poulson, JD, and Kelsey Gula

The Delaware Paid Leave program goes live on Jan. 1, 2026, when eligible employees can begin submitting claims for paid leave benefits. With implementation around the corner, now is the time for covered employers to ensure policies, processes, and communications are ready.

Join us for this timely webcast, where we’ll break down what employers need to know to stay compliant and support a smooth rollout.

We’ll cover:

  • Key components of the Delaware Paid Leave program

  • Employer responsibilities, including required notices and postings

  • Coordinating Delaware Paid Leave with existing PTO, disability, and FMLA policies

  • The claims process and what to expect from the state

  • Moving forward with an approved private plan

Don’t wait until the new year—get the information you need now to prepare with confidence.

REGISTER HERE (opens a new window)

Countdown to 2026: Change to paid sick leave and other mandated leave obligations

2-3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025

Speakers: Paula Day, JD and Sierra Poulson, JD

With dozens of states and localities now requiring paid sick leave—and a growing trend toward paid leave for any reason—compliance has never been more complex. New laws continue to emerge, and existing mandates are evolving through amendments, expanded definitions, and updated accrual rules.

Join us for this timely webcast as we break down:

  • Key paid leave developments that took effect in 2025

  • What’s ahead in 2026, including newly enacted and amended laws

  • Practical tips for updating policies and managing multi-jurisdictional obligations

Whether you're managing one state or twenty this session will help you stay ahead of the compliance curve as the leave law landscape continues to grow and shift.

REGISTER HERE (opens a new window)

Navigating what's next: State disability and paid family medical leave in 2026

2-3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

Speakers: Paula Day, JD and Sierra Poulson, JD

As state-mandated partial wage-replacement programs continue to evolve, employers face an increasingly complex landscape. From updated contribution rates and expanded definitions to other nuances, state disability insurance (SDI) and paid family and medical leave (PFML) laws are shifting—and 2026 is no exception. We will go through each existing program – including the 2026 launch of programs in Delaware, Minnesota and Maine.

Join us for a forward-looking discussion covering:

  • Recent updates to SDI and PFML programs across key states including significant changes to the Washington PFML program

  • 2026 contribution and benefit changes you need to know

  • Coordination challenges with employer-provided benefits

  • Tips for multi-state compliance and practical planning

Whether you're operating in one state or many, this session will help you anticipate what's ahead and prepare with confidence.

REGISTER HERE (opens a new window)

As we see it: The top 5 leave compliance hurdles

2-3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

Speakers: Paula Day, JD and Sierra Poulson, JD

Complying with leave laws is no easy task whether on the federal, state or local level. Join us as we break down the top 5 leave-related compliance issues employers are facing right now—and share practical insights for staying ahead.

We’ll cover challenges related to:

  • Family Medical Leave Act

  • Americans with Disabilities Act

  • Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

  • State and local paid sick leave

  • State disability insurance and paid family medical leave

This session will help you identify risk areas and tackle some of the most persistent leave law headaches with confidence.

REGISTER HERE (opens a new window)