The bill seeks to improve the return-to-work process for injured workers in Washington by amending various sections of the workers' compensation law. Key amendments include adjusting the compensation structure for temporary total disability to 80% of actual wage differences for injuries occurring after May 7, 1993, and increasing maximum allowable payments to 150% of the state's average monthly wage. A new Washington stay-at-work account will be established, funded by employer assessments, to provide wage subsidies and reimbursements for employers offering light duty or transitional work, with the maximum subsidy raised to $25,000 and the duration extended to 120 workdays within a 24-month period. The bill also introduces funding for basic skills development, capped at 25% of the maximum vocational retraining funding, to help injured workers enhance their employability.

Additionally, the bill outlines new procedures for vocational rehabilitation plans, prioritizing options that facilitate returning to the previous job or employer. It allows for vocational services to be provided even if they do not lead directly to employability, as long as they improve the worker's quality of life. Financial assistance for injured workers is increased, including a one-time payment of $25,000 for continuous employment without wage reduction for 12 months, and the maximum allowable costs for vocational rehabilitation benefits is raised from $3,000 to $4,000. The bill also increases job modification costs from $5,000 to $10,000 per worker and establishes a vocational rehabilitation advisory committee to enhance the system's effectiveness. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 51.32.090, 51.32.095, 51.32.096, 51.32.250
Substitute Bill: 51.32.090, 51.32.095, 51.32.096, 51.32.250
Bill as Passed Legislature: 51.32.090, 51.32.095, 51.32.096, 51.32.250
Session Law: 51.32.090, 51.32.095, 51.32.096, 51.32.250