Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the section of the labor code relating to workers compensation and farmworker benefits in California.

Highlights:

• Establishes a disputable presumption that a heat-related injury that develops within a specified time frame after working outdoors for an employer in the agriculture industry that fails to comply with heat illness prevention standards arose out of and came in the course of employment (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the appeals board to find in favor of the employee if the employer fails to rebut the presumption (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that compensation awarded for heat-related injury to farmworkers is to include, among other things, medical treatment and disability (Sec. 1). 

• Establishes the Farmworker Climate Change Heat Injury and Death Fund that would consist of a one-time transfer of $5,000,000 derived from non general funds of the Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving Fund for the purpose of administrative costs associated with this presumption (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text