With both Republicans and Democrats talking about paid family leave, the time is ripe for a new national policy. This brief shows that the current patchwork of public and private policies does not meet the needs of working mothers. Positive outcomes from paid family leave are emerging from three existing state programs. Yet, policy choices must be made to refine and implement a national program of paid family leave. Who should be covered, and how should benefits be funded? The brief concludes by highlighting implementation choices that must be made as policymakers consider plans for a national paid leave policy.