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California Coalition on Workers' Compensation Weekly Update
March 5, 2010
Another Benefit of CCWC Membership |
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 Legislature Introduces WC Bills
The California State Assembly and Senate have introduced several new pieces of legislation on the topic of workers' compensation. The bills, which are just starting the legislative process, will be eligible to be heard in policy committee hearings before the end of March.
Outlined below are some of the more notable bill introductions:
TD Benefit Increase
AB 1603 by Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Santa Ana) would extend temporary disability benefits for 60 days after an injured worker is informed that they are permanent and stationary, but only if the employer had not made a decision about offering modified, alternative or regular work. This additional period of benefits would be paid in most instances where an injured worker is temporarily disabled at the permanent and stationary date.
Expansion of Death Benefits
AB 1696 by Assemblyman Bill Berryhill (R-Stockton) would extend death benefits to dependant minor children past their 18th birthday if they are still in high school. The bill would allow children to collect the death benefit until they turn 19 if they are still enrolled in high school. Although this bill is likely to impact a very limited number of claims, the cost-per-claim could be significant.
Special Rules for Hospital Workers
AB 1994 by Assemblymember Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) creates special new rules for hospital workers that have blood-borne infectious diseases, neck and back injuries, H1N1, or MRSA infections. The bill would give hospital workers a presumption that any of those injuries or illnesses are work related, and create a significant barrier for employers that want to contest those types of claims.
Special Treatment for Firefighters
AB 2253 by Assemblyman Joe Coto (D-San Jose) would more than triple the current period of time that firefighters are eligible for a cancer presumption under current law. The bill would allow a firefighter to have a legal presumption that cancer is caused by work for up to 15 years after they leave employment. Employers would have to meet an almost impossible legal standard to prove otherwise.
Underground Economy
AB 2419 by Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yuca Valley) would protect businesses that follow the rules by allowing the registrar of contractors to issue a stop order to any unlicensed or uninsured contractor. And, it would make a violation of that stop order a crime. |
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Workers' Compensation Legislative Day
The Workers' Compensation Action Network (WCAN) invites you to participate in its annual Workers' Compensation Legislatie Day on April 5-6, 2010. The event will take place at the California Chamber of Commerce in Sacramento. Please register now for this important no-cost event, which is your opportunity to meet with lawmakers to discuss workers' compensation issues in California.
This year could prove pivotal in the ongoing effort to protect recent legislative reforms and maintain an efficient, cost-effective workers' compensation system. With the economy still struggling, workers' compensation costs are rising and legal rulings have put some of the key reform elements in jeopardy. At the same time, the November elections will bring changes to Sacramento.
Now is a critical time to educate elected officials on the vital connection between a quality workers' compensation system and protecting and creating jobs in California.
Click here for the registration page. If you have questions, please contact (916) 554-3467 or contactus@fixworkerscompnow.org. |
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Hot Workers' Comp Topics and Roundtable Forums at the CCWC 8th Annual Workers' Compensation Policy Conference
Plan to join us July 21-23, 2010 at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Newport Beach for the CCWC 8th Annual Workers' Compensation Policy Conference.
The CCWC Conference Committee is in the process of developing an outstanding program to include the following "hot" topics: Rule 30, pharmacy, MSA, combating disorders, occupational medicine and claims, fraud and workers' compensation, FEHA/leave of absence, update on Almaraz/Guzman, and legislative and political updates. Roundtable forums on these topics will provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss presentations, share challenges and best practices, and ask questions of our workers' compensation experts.
On Thursday, July 22nd, enjoy a fun and relaxing evening with your friends and colleagues at our evening reception. Great music and light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to continue networking afterward over dinner in the hotel's restaurant or at one of the fine dining establishments nearby.
Please view the conference Web page at www.ccwcworkcomp.org under "Events". You can REGISTER TODAY by downloading and returning the registration form to CCWC. If you register by May 3, 2010, you will be entered in a prize drawing! Please contact Association Services Director Amy Lai, CMP at 916.441.4111 or amy@ccwcworkcomp.org if you have questions. |
Thank You for Supporting CCWC's Advocacy Efforts!
The California Coalition on Workers' Compensation recently mailed each of you a 2010 Dues Renewal invoice. We want to thank those of you who have already submitted your payment. If you have not yet returned your dues payment, we urge you to do so immediately and renew your pledge to preserve the 2003 and 2004 reforms.
CCWC is an organization dedicated to aggressively defending the workers' compensation reforms that have led to job creation in the private sector and saved tax dollars at the local level. Without the support of our membership, there would be no advocate in Sacramento representing the broad spectrum of California's public and private, small and large employers.
Your membership dollars are the only way that CCWC can continue to have a voice inside the Legislature and with regulators across the state to ensure that our state's workers' compensation system does not return to the way it was. If you have questions about your dues invoice or did not receive it, please call us immediately at 916.441.4111. |
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Jason Schmelzer, Legislative Advocate
California Coalition on Workers' Compensation
916-441-4111
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