SACRAMENTO, Calif — New year, new laws. Hundreds of laws were passed by California Governor Gavin Newsom. By 2024, a number of those laws are set to go into effect — along with some from years past.
However, two notables ones aim to improve work-life balance with paid leave.
SB 616 and SB 848 both impact paid leave, one in regard to sick pay and the other in regard to reproductive loss.
Here's what to know about California's new laws on paid leave.
PAID SICK LEAVE
Workers in California will receive an additional two days of paid sick days for the year. Senate Bill 616 increases the number of days employers are required to pay eligible employees from three days of paid sick leave per year to five days. The new law also expands the definition of sick leave to include caring for a sick family member. The new law also includes paid time off for employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assaults and stalking.
REPRODUCTIVE LOSS LEAVE
Under SB 848, private employers with five or more employees and all public employers have to provide up to five days of reproductive loss leave for qualifying events including: failed adoption, failed surrogacy, miscarriage, stillbirth or unsuccessful assisted reproduction. The five days don’t have to be consecutive. The full text of the law is here.
