Governor Extends Authorization for Debit Card Benefit Payments

California employers will be able to deposit indemnity benefits into prepaid card accounts for injured workers through Jan. 1, 2024, under legislation enacted by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom on Tuesday signed AB 2148, by Assemblywoman Lisa Calderon, D-Whittier. California lawmakers in 2018 allowed carriers to use prepaid debit cards to provide wage replacement benefits to injured workers until Jan. 1, 2023. AB 2148 extends the sunset provision to Jan. 1, 2024. Employers using debit cards to deliver benefits must ensure injured workers are able to withdraw the entire balance on the card i...