California Expands Bereavement Leave to Include “Designated Person” Starting January 2027 By Katharine C. Weber & Joseph J. Lynett on October 6, 2026 Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn Effective Jan. 1, 2027, covered California employees must be permitted to take bereavement leave following the death of a “designated person.” Read more about this expansion of California’s bereavement leave law from our California colleagues.