What is the difference between CFRA and FMLA besides the fact that one is the state law and the other is the federal. Which one is for the purpose of baby bonding?

CFRA and FMLA are both for baby bonding. CFRA spells it out as such, and FMLA states it could be used for the "birth and care of" a newborn child of an employee.

They both require that you've been employed at least one year, the employer has 50 employees w/in a 75 mile radius, and that you have worked at least 1250 hours in the preceding 12 months. They both also allow a maximum of 12 weeks protected leave.

Honestly... are there any differences between the two? Not really that I can see. But then again, I don't live in CA and may be missing something... :D

For the most part they are extremely similar. The main difference is that CA has a separate Pregnancy Disability Leave. CFRA does not run concurrently with PDL, but FMLA typically will. As a result, a new mother may have CFRA time remaining after the FMLA time has run out.

Does this mean that if the employee chooses to take up to 7 months off, employer has to continue give the employee insurance coverage up to 7 months or until the employee quits, then covert it to COBRA?

I'm not seeing how an employee can get 7 months off...

Given the right circumstances, they can.

I've been looking for a side by side comparison of the two I once found and neglected to save to Favorites. When I find it, I'll post it.

http://www.dol.gov/esa/programs/whd/state/fmla/ca.htm Here is one chart.

That's better than the one I had in mind.