California to Expand Paid Family Leave Program

California has enacted new legislation expanding its Paid Family Leave (PFL) program to allow employees to take leave to care for a designated person with a serious health condition. A designated person may be someone related by blood or an individual whose relationship with the employee is equivalent to a family relationship.

This expansion, effective July 1st, 2028, broadens employee eligibility under the existing program, which already provides wage replacement benefits for bonding, caregiving, and certain military related absences.

Next Steps

Employers should begin reviewing policies, procedures, and training materials to ensure compliance by the effective date.

HR Consulting Group is available to support policy updates and implementation planning.