Bill > SB5548

This bill modifies workers' compensation benefits in Washington State, specifically changing how benefits are calculated for workers with permanent total disability based on their marital status and number of children. For claims with a date of injury or disease manifestation on or after July 1, 2026, the bill introduces a new sliding scale of compensation percentages: unmarried workers with no children will receive 60% of their wages, and this percentage increases incrementally based on the number of children, up to a maximum of 75% for unmarried workers with six or more children or married workers with five or more children. The bill also clarifies that if both spouses are receiving disability compensation, only the spouse with higher wages can claim children for compensation purposes. Additionally, the legislation adjusts provisions related to legal custody of children and ensures that payments to the person with legal custody of a child will be two percent of the worker's wages, with a corresponding reduction in the worker's or surviving spouse's compensation. The changes aim to provide more nuanced and potentially more supportive compensation for workers with disabilities, taking into account family structure and dependents. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to claims with a date of injury or disease manifestation on or after that date.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5548&Year=2025&Initiative=false