This bill amends existing workers' compensation laws in Washington State, specifically RCW 51.32.010 and RCW 51.32.060, to introduce new provisions regarding compensation for injured workers and their dependents. Notably, it establishes that for claims with a date of injury or disease manifestation on or after July 1, 2026, compensation payments to custodians of a worker's child will be set at two percent of the worker's wages. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the compensation received by the worker or their surviving spouse will be reduced by the amount paid to the child's custodian. The bill also outlines a new structure for monthly payments for permanent total disability based on the worker's family status, with specific percentages tied to the number of children.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the new compensation structure will only apply to claims with a date of injury or disease manifestation on or after July 1, 2026, and it sets an effective date for these changes to take effect on the same date. The amendments also include various adjustments to the language used in the existing law, such as replacing gender-specific terms with gender-neutral language, ensuring that the provisions are inclusive and applicable to all workers.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 51.32.010, 51.32.060
Substitute Bill: 51.32.010, 51.32.060
Second Substitute: 51.32.010, 51.32.060