This bill amends existing workers' compensation laws in Washington State, specifically RCW 51.32.010 and RCW 51.32.060, to clarify and update the benefits provided to injured workers and their families. Key changes include the introduction of a new provision that allows compensation payments to be made to the legal custodians of a worker's child if the worker or their surviving spouse does not have legal custody. The bill specifies that these payments will amount to two percent of the worker's wages, excluding employer contributions for health care benefits, and that the worker's compensation will be reduced by this amount.

Additionally, the bill establishes different compensation percentages based on the worker's marital and parental status for claims filed on or after July 1, 2026. It outlines a tiered structure for compensation based on the number of children, with percentages ranging from 60% to 75% of the worker's wages. The bill also includes provisions for the payment of benefits to attendants for permanently disabled workers and clarifies that if both spouses are entitled to compensation, only the spouse with the higher wages can claim the children for compensation purposes. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 51.32.010, 51.32.060