Governor Signs Jackson’s Paid Family Leave Bill

Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill Tuesday authored by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson that will expand the definition of family in the state’s existing Paid Family Leave Program.

As the law stands — the new provision will kick in July 1, 2014 — employers are required to award their workers partial pay when taking time off to care for a sick spouse, registered domestic partner, child, or parent. Jackson’s addition, SB 770, will see that family members such as grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and in-laws are also included.

In 2002, California became the first state to institute a paid family leave program and ranks as the state with the second-highest percentage of multi-generational households. The program covers up to six weeks of such leave per year and is paid for by employee payroll deductions. Jackson’s bill, her office said, will not add any extra costs.

“I’m very excited that the governor has signed this important bill into law,” Jackson said in statement. “Our state’s Paid Family Leave Program will now more accurately reflect the broader range of caregiving responsibilities that families have in our state.”