SB 450 Paid Family Leave Expansion to Cover More Long Beach Workers

The California Legislature approved Senate Bill 450 in June, extending paid family leave to part-time employees and workers at companies with fewer than five staff members. The change takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to Long Beach residents who hold jobs at the Port of Long Beach and nearby hotels.

State officials moved the bill forward after data showed gaps in coverage for hourly workers during family medical events. Long Beach households often rely on multiple income streams from shift work at the harbor and service businesses along the waterfront.

Daily Effects for Local Households

A Long Beach resident who works 25 hours a week at a terminal operator could now receive wage replacement when caring for a newborn or ill parent. Benefits run through the existing State Disability Insurance system and replace up to 70 percent of average weekly earnings, subject to the annual cap set by the Employment Development Department.

Local workforce analysts note that many port subcontractors and seasonal tourism positions previously fell outside the program. The update removes the firm-size threshold that had excluded an estimated segment of the city workforce.

The Employment Development Department reported $8.2 billion in contributions to the disability insurance fund in the most recent fiscal year. Those revenues support the expanded payments without new payroll taxes on employers.

Next Steps for Access

The department plans to update its online claims portal by October 2026 and will send notices to employers in Long Beach ZIP codes. Workers can file claims once the leave period begins, with payments issued within two weeks of approval under current processing timelines.

Residents who want to prepare can review pay stubs for qualifying hours and contact the department's Long Beach field office for eligibility worksheets before the January start date.