On February 21, 2026, the California State Legislature passed a comprehensive workers compensation reform bill that will bring significant changes to the state's workers compensation system. The bill, which was introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, aims to improve access to benefits for injured workers while also reducing costs and streamlining the claims process.One of the key components of the bill is the establishment of a new ombudsman program, which will provide injured workers with a dedicated advocate to help guide them through the claims process and ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to. This program is intended to address some of the barriers that have historically hindered workers from accessing the benefits they need, such as language barriers, lack of understanding of the system, and difficulty navigating the claims process.Additionally, the bill includes provisions aimed at reducing costs for employers, such as implementing a fee schedule for medical services and requiring the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines. These measures are intended to help control costs while still ensuring that injured workers receive high-quality care.Another key provision of the bill is the establishment of a medical provider network, which will help ensure that injured workers have access to high-quality medical care and reduce the possibility of fraud and abuse within the system. The network will consist of pre-approved medical providers who have met certain qualifications and standards, providing injured workers with a trusted source of care for their injuries.Overall, lawmakers hope that these reforms will help create a more efficient and effective workers compensation system in California, providing injured workers with the support they need to recover and return to work while also helping employers manage costs and navigate the claims process more easily. The bill has received widespread support from labor groups, business organizations, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who see it as a positive step towards improving the state's workers compensation system.