CA AB1451

Extends workers' compensation leave of absence benefits under Labor Code Section 4850 to lifeguards employed year-round on a regular, full-time basis by the City of Oceanside.

Eligible employees receive up to one year of paid leave (without loss of salary) while disabled by work-related injury or illness, instead of receiving temporary disability or maintenance allowance payments.

Adds lifeguards to the existing list of public employees entitled to these benefits, alongside police officers, firefighters, sheriffs, probation officers, and harbor police.

Leave of absence does not count toward or reduce family care and medical leave entitlements under Government Code Section 12945.2.

Legislature found that a special statute is necessary for City of Oceanside lifeguards because general law cannot adequately address their specific disability benefit needs.