Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes workers at certain companies to be eligible for up to 12 weeks of job protected leave to take care of a family member.

Highlights:

• Prohibits employers from denying workers of 12 weeks of paid family leave if the worker meets the following (Sec. 1):

• The employee has worked more than a year at the employer; and

• The employee has worked at least 1,250 hours over a year. 

• Establishes that a family leave shall not constitute a break in service, seniority under any collective bargaining agreement, or any benefit plan (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that an employer can request proof from a healthcare provider that an employee is seeking family leave for a sick loved one (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes that it is unlawful for an employer to refuse to hire, discharge, fine, suspend, expel, or discriminate against an individual for any of the following (Sec. 2):

• An employee’s right to family care and medical leave; or

• An employee’s giving of information as to their own family care & medical leave.

• Authorizes employers to recover premiums that they paid to maintain coverage for the employee under the group help plan if both of the following occurs (Sec. 3):

• The employee fails to return from leave after the given period has expired; and

• The employee fails to return for reasons other than the continuation of a serious health condition or uncontrollable circumstances.

• Establishes that this bill will take effect January 1, 2020, and expire on January 1, 2021 (Sec. 3).  

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes workers at certain companies to be eligible for up to 12 weeks of job protected leave to take care of a family member.

Highlights:

• Prohibits employers from denying workers of 12 weeks of paid family leave if the worker meets the following (Sec. 1):

• The employee has worked more than a year at the employer; and

• The employee has worked at least 1,250 hours over a year. 

• Establishes that a family leave shall not constitute a break in service, seniority under any collective bargaining agreement, or any benefit plan (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that an employer can request proof from a healthcare provider that an employee is seeking family leave for a sick loved one (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes that it is unlawful for an employer to refuse to hire, discharge, fine, suspend, expel, or discriminate against an individual for any of the following (Sec. 2):

• An employee’s right to family care and medical leave; or

• An employee’s giving of information as to their own family care & medical leave.

• Authorizes employers to recover premiums that they paid to maintain coverage for the employee under the group help plan if both of the following occurs (Sec. 3):

• The employee fails to return from leave after the given period has expired; and

• The employee fails to return for reasons other than the continuation of a serious health condition or uncontrollable circumstances.

• Establishes that this bill will take effect January 1, 2020, and expire on January 1, 2021 (Sec. 3).  

Full Bill Text