AB-1329 Workers’ Compensation: Subsequent injuries payments. |…

Plain English Breakdown

The official status indicates a gubernatorial veto; it is unclear if lawmakers successfully overrode this veto based solely on the provided text.

This vetoed bill proposed changing how workers get extra money if they have an old injury and then hurt themselves again at work.

Clarifies the math used to calculate disability ratings for injuries that happened between January 1, 2005, and before January 1, 2013, or on or after January 1, 2013.
Requires proof from medical records, testimony, or other evidence showing a past injury existed before a new one occurred for injuries happening on or after January 1, 2026.
Sets a deadline of five years from the date of the new injury to file for extra compensation payments, unless the disability level is decided later by the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), in which case it is one year from that decision.
Requires creating and maintaining a list of qualified medical evaluators who can review claims for workers with multiple injuries.

Workers who have an old permanent injury and suffer a new work-related injury on or after January 1, 2026.
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), which decides how much money to award.
The Director of Industrial Relations, who would manage the trust fund used for payments instead of the State Compensation Insurance Fund.

Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund: A state account that pays extra benefits to workers with old injuries who get hurt again at work.
Permanent Partial Disability: An injury that causes lasting harm but does not stop a worker from doing all types of jobs forever.
Whole Person Impairment Rating: A number based on medical guides that measures how much an injury affects the entire body.

The governor vetoed this bill, so it did not become law unless lawmakers voted to override the veto.
New rules for proving past injuries only apply to accidents happening on or after January 1, 2026.