Proposed bill to expand worker’s comp for law enforcement

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Sen. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, Friday will announce a bill that would expand worker’s compensation availability to law enforcement officers who receive certain injuries.

Current state law generally leaves law enforcement agencies to classify certain injuries and illnesses as workplace hazards or not. Because of this, law enforcement with an agency that sidesteps such classifications are forced to use their personal leave time and benefits to recover.

According to Hueso, this harms law enforcement agencies by putting their officers in danger of losing healthcare or employment when their leave time runs out.

Prospective officers may also shy away from agencies that don’t classify certain injuries as eligible for worker’s compensation, opting instead for an employer with more favorable policies for work-related injuries.

Hueso’s bill would expand worker’s compensation benefits to all of the state’s law enforcement officers. Representatives from the Peace Officers Research Association of California are expected to join Hueso at the announcement. The group will unveil the bill at 11 a.m. Friday at San Diego City College.