We are just beginning to get information on new bills being introduced in this session. One that caught my eye was SB 63 by Senator Jackson. This bill will provide 12 weeks unpaid leave if an employee has 12 months of service and at least 1250 hours of service over the previous 12 month period. This would be for bonding with a new child within one year of the birth or placement. The bill would also require an employer to pay for coverage under a group health plan when the employee takes this leave. The bill would provide that it would not apply to an employee who is subject to both specified state law regarding family care and medical leave, and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1933. I do not seem to see any exemptions for small employers. Small Business California will be closely watching this. What do you think of this bill? How would it impact your business?
