Workers’ compensation: death benefits.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Chaptered
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends California’s workers’ compensation law to extend health benefits for minor dependents of firefighters and peace officers who die in the line of duty. Currently, these benefits continue until the dependent is 21 years old, but the bill increases this age to 26. The change applies to both deaths occurring on or after October 11, 2025, and to deaths that occurred prior to that date.
Key provisions
- Extends the duration of health benefits for minor dependents of deceased firefighters and peace officers.
- Increases the age at which dependent benefits terminate from 21 to 26 years.
- Applies to firefighters, peace officers (as defined in Penal Code), and Sheriff’s Special Officers of the County of Orange.
- Includes a provision regarding the surviving spouse’s ability to add new family members to the continued health benefits coverage.
Who is affected
- Firefighters
- Peace Officers
- Employers of firefighters and peace officers
- Minor dependents of deceased firefighters and peace officers
- Spouses of deceased firefighters and peace officers
Notable changes
- Increases the age limit for dependent health benefits from 21 to 26.
- Applies to a broader range of peace officers, specifically those defined in Penal Code Chapter 4.5.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours