This bill amends RCW 51.32.060 to establish new provisions for workers' compensation benefits for claims with a date of injury or disease manifestation on or after July 1, 2026. It stipulates that workers determined to have permanent total disability will receive 100 percent of their employer's payment for health care benefits, unless the employer continues to make contributions at the same level as at the time of injury. Additionally, the bill outlines a tiered percentage of the worker's wages based on their marital status and number of children, with percentages ranging from 60 percent for unmarried workers with no children to 75 percent for those with six or more children.

The bill also includes a new section clarifying that these provisions apply specifically to claims with a date of injury or disease manifestation on or after July 1, 2026, and establishes an effective date for the act as July 1, 2026. Other existing provisions regarding benefits for claims prior to this date remain unchanged, ensuring that the new regulations do not retroactively affect earlier claims.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 51.32.060