CA SB335

Reduces the timeframe for presuming injury compensability from 90 days to 45 days after a claim form is filed, except for law enforcement and first responders with specified injuries (hernia, heart trouble, pneumonia, tuberculosis) which have a 30-day presumption period.

Increases the medical treatment liability cap from $10,000 to $17,000 while a claim is pending acceptance or rejection.

Creates a new penalty provision requiring a 10% increase to awards for unreasonably delayed or refused compensation payments in claims by law enforcement and first responders covered under Sections 3212-3213.2.

Prohibits multiple penalty increases for repeated delays on the same benefit type unless a legally significant event establishes new employer or insurer liability between delays.

Makes technical amendments to Labor Code sections regarding COVID-19 workers' compensation claims and employer notification requirements, with applicability to all injuries regardless of when the injury occurred.