California Expands Paid Family Leave to Include Chosen and Extended Family

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 590, expanding California’s Paid Family Leave program to include chosen and extended family members.

This landmark legislation ensures Californians who pay into the Paid Family Leave fund can now take time off to care for close friends, chosen family, and extended relatives—recognizing caregiving relationships come in many forms.

Previously, caregivers could only take unpaid, job-protected leave to care for these loved ones. Beginning July 1, 2028, SB 590 ensures this vital time is both job-protected and paid, providing financial stability for caregivers supporting someone with a serious illness, like ALS.

The ALS Network is proud to be part of the California Coalition on Family Caregiving (CaCFC), which voted this bill as a coalition priority for the past three years.This success represents the collective effort of advocates and caregivers whose stories helped shape a more inclusive, compassionate caregiving system in the state of California.

“Many people living with ALS rely on friends, neighbors, and extended family to provide daily support,” said Allison Nadeau, MPH, MBA, Policy & Advocacy Manager at the ALS Network.“ SB 590 reflects the reality of care today—it ensures no one has to choose between their paycheck and the people they love.”

For the ALS community, this win means more flexibility, better financial stability, and the freedom to focus on what truly matters—quality time and compassionate care.

Learn more about the bill: California SB 590 – 2025–26 Session

November is National Family Caregivers Month — join us in celebrating and supporting the caregivers who make our ALS community stronger every day.