California Bill Would Give Parents Paid Time Off To Spend With Children

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — New legislation could give parents paid time off for school-related activities with their children.

Assembly Bill 2405 would allow parents to take up to three days of paid time off each year.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto calls it common-sense legislation that creates a better work-life balance for parents, children and business owners. But he's gearing up for a fight from some companies that don't think they afford it.

Engaging in more time for fencing and other school activities is at the top of Hana Madl's list.

"I think it's a good idea for moms to be able to spend more time with their kids, definitely," she said.

She says she's blessed her schedule allows her to be involved in her 14-year-old son's extracurriculars, but Gatto knows other parents aren't so lucky.

"Nobody should have to choose between paying bills and participating in their child's education," he said.

AB 2405 would require businesses to give parents three paid days off a year so they can play a more active role in their child's school life.

"There's a trend in the United States that people are pushing toward a more humane society," he said. "You end up with kids who are more engaged in their school, parents who understand better what their students are working on and then you end up having a more productive workforce in the future."

The proposal would update California's Family-School Partnership Act, and would not apply to small businesses with 25 employees or less.

"We don't want to put any one business out of business, but I think when you're talking about the big, massive firms and corporations, they can afford to give people some time off to participate in their child's education," he said.

But for Joe Pane, the idea is good in theory, but he doesn't think it's really necessary.

"It's surprising to me," he said. "Especially the way the economy is right now where people are always looking for money and where are we going to find money for good causes."

But Gatto believes securing more time with pay is a good cause, and one he's prepared to keep fighting for.