Starting January 1, 2027, California employees can take bereavement leave when a “designated person” dies, not just a listed family member. The amount of leave doesn’t change: still up to five days, used within three months of the death.
A designated person is anyone related by blood or whose bond with the employee is equivalent to family. Employees can name that person when they request leave, and employers may cap it at one designated person per 12 months. The rule applies to employers with five or more employees, and workers still need 30 days of service to qualify.
This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.
