The 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. It establishes that for claims with a date of injury or disease manifestation on or after July 1, 2026, compensation payments to the legal 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 legal custodian. The bill also outlines a new structure for monthly compensation rates based on the worker's marital and parental status, with specific percentages of the worker's wages designated for different family situations.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that will take effect on July 1, 2026, and specifies that if funding for the act is not provided by June 30, 2025, it will become null and void. The amendments also clarify the conditions under which benefits are paid, including adjustments for permanent total disability and the handling of cases where both spouses are entitled to compensation. Overall, the bill aims to update and clarify the compensation framework for workers' compensation in Washington State, particularly in relation to family dynamics and financial support for dependents.

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
Bill as Passed Legislature: 51.32.010, 51.32.060
Session Law: 51.32.010, 51.32.060