Bill > HB1788

This bill modifies workers' compensation benefits in Washington state, specifically changing how permanent total disability payments are calculated 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 based on the worker's marital status and number of children, ranging from 60% to 75% of the worker's wages. For example, an unmarried worker with no children would receive 60% of their wages, while an unmarried worker with six or more children (or a married worker with five or more children) would receive 75% of their wages. The bill also mandates that a 2% payment of the worker's wages will be made to the person with legal custody of the worker's child, which will be offset by a corresponding reduction in the worker's compensation. These changes will only apply to claims from July 1, 2026 onward, with different calculation methods for earlier claims. The bill includes a provision that it will become null and void if specific funding is not provided in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025, ensuring that the changes are financially feasible.