California Small Business Workers Get Expanded Family Leave Benefits Under New Law

SB 1383, which expands family leave benefits for small business workers in California, was signed into law by Governor Newsom on Thursday, September 17th and will become effective on January 1, 2021. Currently, only companies with 50 or more employees are required to provide 12 weeks of leave to care for a new child or a family member. The new law amends the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) to require businesses with five employees or more to provide up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave each year. The leave can be taken because of the employee's own serious health condition, to care for specified family members facing medical challenges, or to care for a child. In order to be eligible for the leave, the individual must have been employed by the employer for at least 12 months and have worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months before commencing leave. See National Law Review, Los Angeles Times.