Compliance Snapshot:

  • Expanded California Family Rights Act (CFRA) provisions went into effect on January 1, 2021
  • Employers should update their posters, leave policies and new hire materials to reflect the expanded CFRA provisions

On September 17, 2020, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 1383  which expanded the California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”). The expanded provisions went into effect on January 1, 2021. For more information about CFRA expansion please visit our blog post. Notable changes to the CFRA framework include:

  • Expansion of CFRA requirements to employers with five or more employees in California
  • Incorporates baby bonding requirements into the CFRA framework
  • Expands the definition of “family member”
  • Allows parents who work for the same employer to both be allowed 12 weeks of baby bonding leave
  • Eliminates the availability of the “key employee” exception to CFRA’s reinstatement rules (which previously permitted an employer to refuse reinstatement for a top 10% salaried employee on the basis of economic hardship to the employer’s operations).

The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“DFEH”) has now released updated documentation to reflect the above-mentioned expanded CFRA framework, which includes new versions of the required poster for Family and Medical Leave and Pregnancy Disability Leave.

Employers are encouraged to review and update their posters, leave policies and new hire materials to reflect the expanded CFRA provisions.

Additional Resources

Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, medical or tax advice. It provides general information and is not intended to encompass all compliance and legal obligations that may be applicable. This information and any questions as to your specific circumstances should be reviewed with your respective legal counsel and/or tax advisor as we do not provide legal or tax advice. Please note that this information may be subject to change based on legislative changes. © 2021 Sequoia Benefits & Insurance Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Lizet Ramirez – Lizet is a Client Compliance Manager for Sequoia One, where she works with our clients to optimize and streamline benefits compliance. In her free time, Lizet enjoys live music, travel, hiking and spa days.