In a groundbreaking move, the California Legislature has passed a bill that will provide military members with extended paid family leave. The legislation, known as SB-1020, aims to support service members and their families by allowing them to take time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child without having to worry about lost income.Under current law, military members are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, many service members struggle to make ends meet during this time, as they are not receiving their regular paychecks.With the passage of SB-1020, military members in California will now be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid family leave in addition to the 12 weeks of unpaid leave provided by FMLA. This means that service members can take a total of 24 weeks off work to care for their loved ones without experiencing financial hardship.Senator Maria Rodriguez, the bill's sponsor, spoke passionately about the need for this legislation. "Our military members make incredible sacrifices for our country, and we owe it to them to support them in their times of need," she said. "By providing them with extended paid family leave, we are helping to ensure that they can focus on taking care of their families without having to worry about their financial security."The legislation has been met with widespread support from military families, advocacy groups, and lawmakers. Governor Jessica Thompson has indicated that she will sign the bill into law, calling it a "common-sense measure to support those who serve our country."SB-1020 is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026. Military members in California who wish to take advantage of the extended paid family leave will need to provide certification of their eligibility under FMLA and meet other requirements outlined in the bill.Overall, this new legislation represents a major step forward in supporting the well-being of military members and their families in California. It is a testament to the state's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces.