Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that would allow paid family leave for Californians caring for extended or “chosen” family members, including neighbors and friends.

Under California’s paid family leave program , workers can get up to eight weeks of paid time off to care for “a seriously ill family member.” That includes caring for a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse or domestic partner.

SB 590 would expand the definition to include “designated persons,” which would include extended family members or other loved ones with whom a caregiver has the “equivalent of a family relationship.” About 10% of Californians live with someone who is not defined as a family member, according to the California Budget & Policy Center.

Advocates say immigrant populations, se

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