Gov. Brown's Bill Limits Workers Comp For Pro Athletes

GSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill that will prohibit professional athletes who spent most of their careers with teams in other states from filing workers' compensation claims in California.

Democratic Assemblyman Henry Perea of Fresno says his AB1309 will close a legal loophole that has allowed athletes to collect large cash settlements by claiming they suffered cumulative trauma during their professional careers, even if they have little to no employment history in California.

He says the California Insurance Guarantee Association has paid nearly $42 million in claims to professional athletes since 2002. An average of 34 new claims are being filed each month.

Brown announced his signing of the bill without comment Tuesday. The law brings California into line with the majority of states, which limit such claims.

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