Committee Passes Bill to Expedite Liability Decisions, Penalize Unreasonable Denials

California employers would have less time to decide whether to accept liability for workers’ compensation claims and would face penalties of up to $100,000 for unreasonably denying certain claims by first responders, under legislation a Senate policy committee passed. The Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement on Monday voted 4-1 to pass SB 1127, by Senate President Toni Atkins, D-San Diego. Proponents said the bill would ensure fair and judicious administration of certain claims, particularly those filed by first responders. Opponents said the tighter time fr...