What happened?

On October 13, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 590 into law, expanding California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program to cover care for a designated person: someone related by blood or whose relationship is equivalent to family.

Overview:

California is broadening family definitions under paid leave programs to recognize diverse caregiving needs and support employees who rely on chosen family.

What is Changing:

• Expanded Definition of Family: Employees may receive PFL state benefits when caring for a designated person, even if not legally or biologically related, provided the relationship is family-like.

• Eligibility Process
  • Identify the designated person when first claiming benefits.
  • Attest under penalty of perjury that the relationship is blood-related or equivalent to family.

• Benefit Structure: No change; up to 8 weeks of wage replacement per year.

Source References

• California SB 590 – Paid family leave: eligibility: care for designated persons
• September 2022: California to Expand Definition of “Designated Person” in the Family Rights Act (VensureHR)

Resources

• California EDD – Paid Family Leave Resources

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