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SB-773 Workers’ compensation: disability benefits.(2009-2010)

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SB773:v97#DOCUMENT

Amended  IN  Senate  May 19, 2009
Amended  IN  Senate  April 28, 2009

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2009–2010 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Bill
No. 773

Introduced  by  Senator Florez, Steinberg
 (Coauthor(s): Senator Leno)

February 27, 2009

An act to amend Sections 4453 and 4658 of the Labor Code, relating to workers’ compensation.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


SB 773, as amended, Florez. Workers’ compensation: disability benefits.
Existing law establishes a workers’ compensation system, administered by the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, that generally requires employers to secure the payment of workers’ compensation, including medical treatment, for injuries incurred by their employees that arise out of, or and in the course of, employment. Existing law provides certain methods for determining workers’ compensation benefits payable to a worker or his or her dependents for purposes of temporary disability, permanent total disability, permanent partial disability, and in case of death.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would adjust the amount of permanent partial disability benefits paid to workers in order to ensure that the benefits are fair, adequate, and more favorably aligned when compared with permanent partial disability benefits paid to workers in other states.
This bill would provide for increased permanent partial disability benefits for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2010.
Existing law requires the payment of workers’ compensation benefits for injuries causing permanent disability to be computed in accordance with a prescribed formula.
This bill would revise the formula for computing permanent disability payments for injuries causing permanent disability, which that occur on or after January 1, 2010, as specified.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: NO   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) The chaptering of Chapters 635 and 639 of the Statutes of 2003 and Chapter 34 of the Statutes of 2004 reflected the intent of the Legislature to create a workers’ compensation system that is fair to all parties involved.
(b) Ensuring that permanently disabled workers receive fair compensation is a high priority of the Legislature.
(c) According to the United States Chamber of Commerce, benefits for California’s permanently disabled workers are among the lowest in the nation.

(d)In its effort to ensure adequate benefit levels for permanently disabled workers, it is not the intent of the Legislature to undermine the positive effect workers’ compensation reform has had on California’s employers and workers.

SEC. 2.

 It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would adjust the amount of permanent partial disability benefits paid to workers in order to ensure that the benefits are fair, adequate, and more favorably aligned when compared with permanent partial disability benefits paid to workers in other states. In its effort to ensure fair and adequate benefit levels for permanently disabled workers, the Legislature does not intend to undermine the positive effect workers’ compensation reform has had on employers and employees in the state.

SEC. 3.

 Section 4453 of the Labor Code is amended to read:

4453.
 (a) In computing average annual earnings for the purposes of temporary disability indemnity and permanent total disability indemnity only, the average weekly earnings shall be taken at:
(1) Not less than one hundred twenty-six dollars ($126) nor more than two hundred ninety-four dollars ($294), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1983.
(2) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) nor more than three hundred thirty-six dollars ($336), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1984.
(3) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for permanent total disability, and, for temporary disability, not less than the lesser of one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) or 1.5 times the employee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, but in no event less than one hundred forty-seven dollars ($147), nor more than three hundred ninety-nine dollars ($399), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1990.
(4) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for permanent total disability, and for temporary disability, not less than the lesser of one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189) or 1.5 times the employee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, nor more than five hundred four dollars ($504), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1991.
(5) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for permanent total disability, and for temporary disability, not less than the lesser of one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189) or 1.5 times the employee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, nor more than six hundred nine dollars ($609), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1994.
(6) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for permanent total disability, and for temporary disability, not less than the lesser of one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189) or 1.5 times the employee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, nor more than six hundred seventy-two dollars ($672), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1995.
(7) Not less than one hundred sixty-eight dollars ($168) for permanent total disability, and for temporary disability, not less than the lesser of one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189) or 1.5 times the employee’s average weekly earnings from all employers, nor more than seven hundred thirty-five dollars ($735), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1996.
(8) Not less than one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189), nor more than nine hundred three dollars ($903), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2003.
(9) Not less than one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189), nor more than one thousand ninety-two dollars ($1,092), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2004.
(10) Not less than one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189), nor more than one thousand two hundred sixty dollars ($1,260), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2005. For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2006, average weekly earnings shall be taken at not less than one hundred eighty-nine dollars ($189), nor more than one thousand two hundred sixty dollars ($1,260) or 1.5 times the state average weekly wage, whichever is greater. Commencing on January 1, 2007, and each January 1 thereafter, the limits specified in this paragraph shall be increased by an amount equal to the percentage increase in the state average weekly wage as compared to the prior year. For purposes of this paragraph, “state average weekly wage” means the average weekly wage paid by employers to employees covered by unemployment insurance as reported by the United States Department of Labor for California for the 12 months ending March 31 of the calendar year preceding the year in which the injury occurred.
(b) In computing average annual earnings for purposes of permanent partial disability indemnity, except as provided in Section 4659, the average weekly earnings shall be taken at:
(1) Not less than seventy-five dollars ($75), nor more than one hundred ninety-five dollars ($195), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1983.
(2) Not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred ten dollars ($210), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1984.
(3) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the injured employee is 15 percent or greater, but not more than 24.75 percent: (A) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred twenty-two dollars ($222), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1994; (B) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred thirty-one dollars ($231), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1995; (C) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred forty dollars ($240), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1996.
(4) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the injured employee is 25 percent or greater, not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred twenty-two dollars ($222), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1991.
(5) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the injured employee is 25 percent or greater but not more than 69.75 percent: (A) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred thirty-seven dollars ($237), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1994; (B) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred forty-six dollars ($246), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1995; and (C) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred fifty-five dollars ($255), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1996.
(6) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the injured employee is less than 70 percent: (A) not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150), nor more than two hundred seventy-seven dollars and fifty cents ($277.50), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2003; (B) not less than one hundred fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($157.50), nor more than three hundred dollars ($300), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2004; (C) not less than one hundred fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($157.50), nor more than three hundred thirty dollars ($330), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2005; (D) not less than one hundred ninety-five dollars ($195), nor more than three hundred forty-five dollars ($345), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2006; and (E) not less than one hundred ninety-five dollars ($195), nor more than five hundred fifty-five dollars ($555), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2010.
(7) When the final adjusted permanent disability rating of the injured employee is 70 percent or greater, but less than 100 percent: (A) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred fifty-two dollars ($252), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1994; (B) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than two hundred ninety-seven dollars ($297), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1995; (C) not less than one hundred five dollars ($105), nor more than three hundred forty-five dollars ($345), for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1996; (D) not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150), nor more than three hundred forty-five dollars ($345), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2003; (E) not less than one hundred fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($157.50), nor more than three hundred seventy-five dollars ($375), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2004; (F) not less than one hundred fifty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($157.50), nor more than four hundred five dollars ($405), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2005; (G) not less than one hundred ninety-five dollars ($195), nor more than four hundred five dollars ($405), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2006; and (H) not less than one hundred ninety-five dollars ($195), nor more than six hundred fifteen dollars ($615), for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2010.
(c) Between the limits specified in subdivisions (a) and (b), the average weekly earnings, except as provided in Sections 4456 to 4459, shall be arrived at as follows:
(1) Where the employment is for 30 or more hours a week and for five or more working days a week, the average weekly earnings shall be the number of working days a week times the daily earnings at the time of the injury.
(2) Where the employee is working for two or more employers at or about the time of the injury, the average weekly earnings shall be taken as the aggregate of these earnings from all employments computed in terms of one week; but the earnings from employments other than the employment in which the injury occurred shall not be taken at a higher rate than the hourly rate paid at the time of the injury.
(3) If the earnings are at an irregular rate, such as piecework, or on a commission basis, or are specified to be by week, month, or other period, then the average weekly earnings mentioned in subdivision (a) shall be taken as the actual weekly earnings averaged for this period of time, not exceeding one year, as may conveniently be taken to determine an average weekly rate of pay.
(4) Where the employment is for less than 30 hours per week, or where for any reason the foregoing methods of arriving at the average weekly earnings cannot reasonably and fairly be applied, the average weekly earnings shall be taken at 100 percent of the sum which reasonably represents the average weekly earning capacity of the injured employee at the time of his or her injury, due consideration being given to his or her actual earnings from all sources and employments.
(d) Every computation made pursuant to this section beginning January 1, 1990, shall be made only with reference to temporary disability or the permanent disability resulting from an original injury sustained after January 1, 1990. However, all rights existing under this section on January 1, 1990, shall be continued in force. Except as provided in Section 4661.5, disability indemnity benefits shall be calculated according to the limits in this section in effect on the date of injury and shall remain in effect for the duration of any disability resulting from the injury.

SEC. 4.

 Section 4658 of the Labor Code is amended to read:

4658.
 (a) For injuries occurring prior to January 1, 1992, if the injury causes permanent disability, the percentage of disability to total disability shall be determined, and the disability payment computed and allowed, according to paragraph (1). However, in no event shall the disability payment allowed be less than the disability payment computed according to paragraph (2).
(1)
Column 1—Range
of percentage
of permanent
disability incurred:
Column 2—Number of weeks
for which two-thirds of
average weekly earnings
allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability
within percentage range:
 Under 10 ........................
3
 10–19.75 ........................
4
 20–29.75 ........................
5
 30–49.75 ........................
6
 50–69.75 ........................
7
 70–99.75 ........................
8
The number of weeks for which payments shall be allowed set forth in column 2 above based upon the percentage of permanent disability set forth in column 1 above shall be cumulative, and the number of benefit weeks shall increase with the severity of the disability. The following schedule is illustrative of the computation of the number of benefit weeks:
Column 1—
Percentage
of permanent
disability
incurred:
Column 2—
Cumulative
number of
benefit weeks:
 5 ........................
 15.00
10 ........................
 30.25
15 ........................
 50.25
20 ........................
 70.50
25 ........................
 95.50
30 ........................
120.75
35 ........................
150.75
40 ........................
180.75
45 ........................
210.75
50 ........................
241.00
55 ........................
276.00
60 ........................
311.00
65 ........................
346.00
70 ........................
381.25
75 ........................
421.25
80 ........................
461.25
85 ........................
501.25
90 ........................
541.25
95 ........................
581.25
 100 ........................
for life
(2) Two-thirds of the average weekly earnings for four weeks for each 1 percent of disability, where, for the purposes of this subdivision, the average weekly earnings shall be taken at not more than seventy-eight dollars and seventy-five cents ($78.75).
(b) This subdivision shall apply to injuries occurring on or after January 1, 1992. If the injury causes permanent disability, the percentage of disability to total disability shall be determined, and the disability payment computed and allowed, according to paragraph (1). However, in no event shall the disability payment allowed be less than the disability payment computed according to paragraph (2).
(1)
Column 1—Range
of percentage
of permanent
disability incurred:
Column 2—Number of weeks
for which two-thirds of
average weekly earnings
allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability
within percentage range:
 Under 10 ........................
3
 10–19.75 ........................
4
 20–24.75 ........................
5
 25–29.75 ........................
6
 30–49.75 ........................
7
 50–69.75 ........................
8
 70–99.75 ........................
9
The numbers set forth in column 2 above are based upon the percentage of permanent disability set forth in column 1 above and shall be cumulative, and shall increase with the severity of the disability in the manner illustrated in subdivision (a).
(2) Two-thirds of the average weekly earnings for four weeks for each 1 percent of disability, where, for the purposes of this subdivision, the average weekly earnings shall be taken at not more than seventy-eight dollars and seventy-five cents ($78.75).
(c) This subdivision shall apply to injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2004. If the injury causes permanent disability, the percentage of disability to total disability shall be determined, and the disability payment computed and allowed as follows:
Column 1—Range
of percentage
of permanent
disability incurred:
Column 2—Number of weeks
for which two-thirds of
average weekly earnings
allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability
within percentage range:
 Under 10 ........................
4
 10–19.75 ........................
5
 20–24.75 ........................
5
 25–29.75 ........................
6
 30–49.75 ........................
7
 50–69.75 ........................
8
 70–99.75 ........................
9
The numbers set forth in column 2 above are based upon the percentage of permanent disability set forth in column 1 above and shall be cumulative, and shall increase with the severity of the disability in the manner illustrated in subdivision (a).
(d) (1) This subdivision shall apply to injuries occurring on or after the effective date of the revised permanent disability schedule adopted by the administrative director pursuant to Section 4660. If the injury causes permanent disability, the percentage of disability to total disability shall be determined, and the basic disability payment computed as follows:
Column 1—Range
of percentage
of permanent
disability incurred:
Column 2—Number of weeks
for which two-thirds of
average weekly earnings
allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability
within percentage range:
 0.25–9.75 ........................
 3
 10–14.75 ........................
 4
 15–24.75 ........................
 5
 25–29.75 ........................
 6
 30–49.75 ........................
 7
 50–69.75 ........................
 8
 70–99.75 ........................
16
The numbers set forth in column 2 above are based upon the percentage of permanent disability set forth in column 1 above and shall be cumulative, and shall increase with the severity of the disability in the manner illustrated in subdivision (a).
(2) If, within 60 days of a disability becoming permanent and stationary, an employer does not offer the injured employee regular work, modified work, or alternative work, in the form and manner prescribed by the administrative director, for a period of at least 12 months, each disability payment remaining to be paid to the injured employee from the date of the end of the 60-day period shall be paid in accordance with paragraph (1) and increased by 15 percent. This paragraph shall not apply to an employer that employs fewer than 50 employees.
(3) (A) If, within 60 days of a disability becoming permanent and stationary, an employer offers the injured employee regular work, modified work, or alternative work, in the form and manner prescribed by the administrative director, for a period of at least 12 months, and regardless of whether the injured employee accepts or rejects the offer, each disability payment remaining to be paid to the injured employee from the date the offer was made shall be paid in accordance with paragraph (1) and decreased by 15 percent.
(B) If the regular work, modified work, or alternative work is terminated by the employer before the end of the period for which disability payments are due the injured employee, the amount of each of the remaining disability payments shall be paid in accordance with paragraph (1) and increased by 15 percent. An employee who voluntarily terminates employment shall not be eligible for payment under this subparagraph. This paragraph shall not apply to an employer that employs fewer than 50 employees.
(4) For compensable claims arising before April 30, 2004, the schedule provided in this subdivision shall not apply to the determination of permanent disabilities when there has been either a comprehensive medical-legal report or a report by a treating physician, indicating the existence of permanent disability, or when the employer is required to provide the notice required by Section 4061 to the injured worker.
(e) This subdivision shall apply to injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2010. If the injury causes permanent disability, the percentage of disability to total disability shall be determined, and the basic disability payment computed as follows:
Column 1—Range
of percentage
of permanent
disability incurred:
Column 2—Number of weeks
for which two-thirds of
average weekly earnings
allowed for each 1 percent
of permanent disability
within percentage range:
 0.25–9.75 ........................
 4
 10–14.75 ........................
 5
 15–24.75 ........................
 7
 25–29.75 ........................
 8
 30–49.75 ........................
 9
 50–69.75 ........................
 11
 70–99.75 ........................
 21
The numbers set forth in column 2 above are based upon the percentage of permanent disability set forth in column 1 above and shall be cumulative, and shall increase with the severity of the disability in the manner illustrated in subdivision (a).