CalPERS has issued Circular Letter 200-021-20 to provide preliminary guidance to employers regarding how to report paid leave to CalPERS under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The Circular Letter addresses how to report emergency paid sick leave and emergency family and medical leave and is based on the federal guidance regarding the FFCRA that is available at this time. CalPERS will communicate directly with employers if further guidance is issued or information is made available that affects their initial determination on these matters.
In summary, the Circular Letter states that CalPERS’ initial interpretation is that both the newly mandated sick-leave and family leave are hours that should be reported to CalPERS. They are also “countable” in hours for 1,000 hours for membership and 960 hours for retired annuitants.