Workers’ compensation: peace officers.

Assembly Member Nguyen's workers' compensation legislation extends heart trouble presumption benefits to peace officers employed by the State Department of State Hospitals, aligning their coverage with existing protections for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officers with custodial duties. The bill amends Labor Code Section 3212.2 to establish that heart conditions developing during employment at state hospitals qualify for full workers' compensation benefits, including medical treatment, disability payments, and death benefits.

The legislation maintains the disputable presumption that heart trouble arises from employment duties while adding a post-employment extension period. Under this provision, the presumption continues after service ends for three months per year worked, up to 60 months maximum, starting from the last active duty date. The appeals board must uphold this presumption unless presented with contrary evidence.

This amendment places State Hospital peace officers under the same workers' compensation framework that currently applies to corrections officers, creating uniform standards for heart-related claims across these state law enforcement positions. While the bill requires no direct appropriations, the Fiscal Committee will evaluate potential cost implications from expanding the eligible workforce and extending the post-employment presumption period.