SB 83 was recently enacted to extend Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits from a maximum of six to eight weeks beginning on July 1, 2020. PFL benefits are used by employees to care for an ill family member or bond with a child. Beginning January 1, 2021, the bill adds benefit coverage for employees participating in a qualifying exigency related to the covered active duty of a qualified family member in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The bill also requires the governor to propose other PFL benefit increases by November 2019. This would include extending coverage up to three months for each parent to take consecutively for baby bonding, increasing the benefit rate up to 90% for low-wage workers, and implementing job protections. Employers should continue to look for ongoing updates on these changes.

Action Items