Paid family leave: eligibility: care for designated persons.

Senator Durazo's proposal to expand California's paid family leave program would allow workers to take paid time off to care for any individual related by blood or whose relationship is equivalent to family, beginning July 1, 2027. Under current law, workers can only take paid leave to care for specific family members like children, parents, and spouses.

The bill enables workers to designate their care recipient when filing a claim for benefits, maintaining the existing eight-week maximum leave period within any 12-month period. The weekly benefit amount continues to be calculated based on the worker's wages during their highest-earning quarter, with different thresholds determining the precise benefit level.

This expansion builds upon California's existing family temporary disability insurance program, which provides wage replacement benefits when workers take time off to bond with a new child, care for seriously ill family members, or handle qualifying military duty exigencies. The program operates within the state disability insurance framework and is funded through worker contributions to the Unemployment Compensation Disability Fund.

The Employment Development Department would implement these changes through its integrated claims management system, requiring workers to file claims and supporting documentation within established deadlines. The department may grant extensions for good cause when workers need additional time to complete claim requirements.