CAL.Regulation
California grants firefighters 26 weeks of paid postpartum leave
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1024 (Chapter 419, Statutes of 2026) on September 20, 2026, adding Chapter 9.6.1 to the Government Code. From January 1, 2027, city, county, district, CSU and Cal Fire departments must grant active firefighters with 1,250 hours of service in the prior year up to 26 weeks of fully paid leave when disabled by pregnancy, childbirth or a related condition, without requiring them to exhaust sick, vacation or compensatory leave, with benefits continuing.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) →
Key points
- Chapter 419, approved September 20, 2026; effective January 1, 2027.California Legislative InformationCalifornia Legislative Information
- Up to 26 weeks of fully paid leave at the firefighter's regular rate under the applicable collective bargaining agreement.California Legislative Information
- Eligibility: active firefighting member with at least 1,250 hours of service in the prior 12 months.California Legislative Information
- No exhaustion of paid sick, vacation, or compensatory leave required; benefits and retirement credit accrue.California Legislative Information
- Applies to city, county, district, CSU, Cal Fire, and county forestry departments; UC departments are requested to comply.California Legislative Information
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California Legislative Information
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RegulationCal.SB 1024 - Firefighter postpartum and recovery leave (2026)EmploymentFor practitionersFor governance