Senate OKs workers’ comp claim extension for law enforcement survivors
SACRAMENTO -- The state Senate on Monday approved a measure that would give families of deceased firefighters and police officers more time to file for workers’ compensation death benefits when the death resulted from cancer, tuberculosis or other diseases.
Assemblyman John Pérez (D-Los Angeles) wrote the measure that would give families an extension of 420 weeks from the date of injury but no more than one year from the date of death to file claims.
“The families of fallen public safety officers face an extraordinary emotional and financial toll when they lose a cherished loved one,” said Sen. Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres). “Simply put, AB 1035 is the right thing to do.”
The bill now goes back to the Assembly for a vote on amendments. It was backed by public employee unions but opposed by groups such as the League of California Cities and the California State Assn. of Counties.
Opponents argued the bill “will increase costs on local governments and counties at a time when budgets are limited and the full impact of the 2012 Workers’ Compensation reform is unknown,” according to a legislative analysis submitted to lawmakers.
Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar measure last year, but Cannella said changes have been made to address the governor’s concerns, including a Jan. 1, 2019, sunset date for the extension.
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