The bill, sponsored by Senator Don Perata (Dem) of Oakland, would double benefit payments by increasing the number of weeks injured workers receive benefits. It is opposed by employers.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has yet to state whether he sign the bill, which is among several workers comp bills passed by legislators. On his desk, for example, is a bill that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, age, or gender when apportioning medical causation to determine an employer’s liability for permanent disability injuries. Employer groups also oppose this bill.