Gov. Brown To Sign Worker's Compensation Fixes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to authorize extensive changes to California's $16.2 billion workers' compensation insurance system during bill-signing ceremonies Tuesday with business and labor leaders.

Lawmakers last month approved a bill aimed at increasing benefits to people injured on the job while taming skyrocketing insurance costs for businesses.

Supporters say SB863 by Democratic Sen. Kevin De Leon of Los Angeles will increase benefits to permanently disabled workers by $860 million a year. It's expected to give employers a break on insurance costs, which were expected to go up by at least 18 percent in January.

Opponents include some chiropractors and attorneys who represent injured workers. They warn that the bill is flawed and could reduce benefits for people who are unable to return to work.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.