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Maine Statewide Rule

Maine Earned Paid Leave Statewide Law for Employees

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Maine (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
Statute: 26 MRS section 637
1 Hour Per
1 hour per 40 worked
Cap 40 Hours
Cap of 40 hours yearly
Employers With 10+
Employers with 10+ employees
Local Rules Not
Local rules not preempted
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Maine Legislature

Summary

Maine's Earned Paid Leave law at 26 MRS section 637 grants employees one hour of paid leave per 40 hours worked, capped at 40 hours per year for covered employers.

2. Earned paid leave. An employer that employs more than 10 employees in the usual and regular course of business for more than 120 days in any calendar year shall permit each employee to earn paid leave based on the employee's base pay as provided in this section.

Source: Maine LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Maine's Earned Paid Leave law, codified at 26 MRS section 637, requires employers with more than 10 employees to provide one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, accruing up to 40 hours per benefit year. The law applies to leave taken for any reason after a 120-day waiting period, with notice required for foreseeable use. Local paid leave ordinances are not preempted, and Maine has also enacted a separate Paid Family and Medical Leave program. The Department of Labor enforces compliance.

Violations & Penalties

Employer violations may result in civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation under 26 MRS section 670, plus liability for unpaid wages and damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is covered by Maine's Earned Paid Leave law?
Most employees of private employers with more than 10 workers are covered after a 120-day initial employment period.
Can employees use leave for any reason?
Yes. Maine's Earned Paid Leave allows employees to use accrued leave for any reason with appropriate advance notice.

Sources

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