The State Compensation Insurance FundCoverage of Public Employers
Section § 11870
This section allows various public entities and corporations in California, including cities, counties, school districts, and public utilities, to get insurance from the State Compensation Insurance Fund to cover their liability for compensation. For state entities, the insurance premium can be paid from funds allocated for their expenses. If an entity is financed by multiple funds, it can decide how the cost is divided among them, with approval, and manage reimbursement accordingly. For other local or public entities, the cost of insurance is charged against their general fund.
Section § 11871
This law allows the California State Compensation Insurance Fund to make a deal with the Department of Human Resources to manage workers’ compensation claims for state agencies that don’t have insurance through the fund. It sets a consistent service rate for all agencies, except for the California Highway Patrol, which might have a different rate.
The fund can handle, adjust, and settle claims and spend money on necessary things like medical expenses. The agency that has the claim must pay the fund back for its expenses and services.
The fund is also authorized to take action to recover money from third parties when applicable, and it can file liens, intervene in cases, or settle claims to recover funds on behalf of the state agency.
Section § 11872
This law says that each year, a special fund can make agreements with state agencies like the Department of Finance and others for services they provide to the fund. If they can't agree on how much these services should cost, the Department of General Services will help decide on a fair price.
Section § 11873
This law outlines when the State Compensation Insurance Fund is subject to certain government code provisions. Generally, the fund isn't bound by government code rules unless specifically stated. However, it must follow specific government code sections except for certain articles and sections. During the periods from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013, and July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, the fund's positions are exempt from hiring freezes and staff reductions, echoing existing law. Despite this, employees were still required to accept any statewide pay cuts during those periods. If there's a conflict between this law and any negotiated agreements affecting employee compensation, the agreement takes precedence, provided it's approved by the Legislature if it involves spending money.
Section § 11874
This law states that when the act takes effect, a financial procedure will happen where the Controller issues a payment order for all the money in the State Compensation Insurance Fund's account held by the Treasurer. The Treasurer must then pay out this order to the State Compensation Insurance Fund.