Governor Signs Debit Card Bill

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that permanently authorizes employers to pay indemnity benefits using prepaid debit cards. On July 6, Newsom signed AB 1683, which eliminates language that would end the debit card pilot program at the start of 2027. Lawmakers in 2018 authorized a pilot project giving employers and carriers the option to use prepaid cards to deliver benefits, with the written permission of the applicant. The law required that injured workers be able to withdraw the entire balance of the card in one transaction without incurring fees and have reasonable access to in-...