Salary Continuation Bill for CalFire Approved by Governor Newsom

On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 151, which makes changes to Labor Code Section 4811 to give firefighters employed by the state agency commonly referred to as CalFire, up to one (1) year of salary continuation benefits.  This law applies to those that become disabled by injury arising out of and in the course of their duties, regardless of their period of service with the department, to leave of absence while so disabled without loss of salary, in lieu of disability payments, for a period not exceeding one year, and in certain cases in which the injury is determined to be a severe burn, not exceeding 3 years, subject to certain exclusions. The benefits of this law apply to injuries sustained on or after November 1, 2022.   The statute further states "An employee shall only receive benefits pursuant to this section during the time period for which they would normally be employed. When this section does not apply, the employee shall be eligible for those benefits that would apply if this section had not been enacted."

Workers' compensation benefits are enacted by statute by the California state Legislature, and approval form the Governor, then implemented by the Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Workers' Compensation.  Questions may arise as to the rights and benefits afforded by changes in the law, such as this bill.  The attorneys at GEKLAW advocate for and represent injured workers, and are qualified to answer questions on California workers' compensation laws, and entitlement to the rights and benefits the law allows.   We can be reached at 213-739-7000 or info@geklaw.com for a consultation.