Workers’ Comp reform passed the State legislature in 2004, and the reforms have had a positive effect.  Rates are down more than 55%. Small businesses are finally seeing relief on insurance rates. However, the State Legislature and trial lawyers have openly proclaimed that one of their top goals is to "revisit" the workers' comp reforms made in 2004. In Sacramento-speak, "revisit" often means "gut" the reforms and go back to the dark days of highest-in-the-nation premiums.  California small businesses cannot afford to go back to stifling rate hikes.

SBAC led the fight for Workers Comp reform.  We carried the workers comp initiative which Governor Schwarzenegger used effectively to persuade the legislature to pass the 2004 reform measure.  When initiatives to alter the reforms were filed in early 2006, SBAC jumped into action, forming a committee with the California Chamber of Commerce to stand up against these initiatives. In face of our solid opposition, the initiatives were not pursued.

We are constantly on the watch for bills in the legislature or initiatives proposed for the ballot that will cut the reforms. SBAC will respond swiftly to any attacks.