Lawmakers Consider Workers’ Compensation Rules at Recent Hearing
On Wednesday, the California Assembly's labor and insurance committees conducted a joint hearing on rules governing workers' compensation, the Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert" reports.
Rule Changes
In 2004, former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R)Â convinced lawmakers to make several cost-cutting changes to the workers' compensation system. Schwarzenegger's administration subsequently adopted additional administrative rules.
Although the changes have reduced employer costs, other stakeholders have criticized the changes.
They argue that, under the changes:
- Disabled workers are not receiving adequate compensation;
- Health care is too tightly controlled; and
- Insurers are losing money on workers' compensation policies.
Hearing
At the hearing, employers discussed their problems with the changes and expressed concern about paying more for workers' compensation amid an economic downturn.
Lawmakers did not reach a conclusion, but Democrats indicated that they want to modify workers' compensation rules (Walters, "Capitol Alert," Sacramento Bee, 3/28).
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