California Improves Access to Paid Family Leave

California’s AB 2123 amends Section 3303.1 of the Unemployment Insurance Code.  And it breaks down barriers that inhibited or deterred eligible recipients from applying for and receiving Paid Family Leave (“PFL”), which provides workers with partial wage replacement when they are off work so that they can provide care for a family member in special circumstances.  Previously, employers could require an employee to take up to two weeks of accrued vacation before they could access PFL benefits; however, since January 1, 2025, employers are prohibited from requiring employees to draw down on accrued vacation before they qualify for PFL.  This ensures that employees are not deterred from seeking PFL if they are eligible, merely because they are reluctant to use their accrued vacation time.  It also allows eligible employees to receive the benefit immediately.