California state lawmakers pass death benefit extension for police, firefighter families

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California State Capitol in Sacramento

California lawmakers have sent Gov. Jerry Brown a contentious bill that would make it easier for the dependents of police officers and firefighters to collect workers' compensation benefits after their death.

The Assembly passed the bill 51-18 Tuesday.

AB2451, by Assembly Speaker John Perez, would double the period in which death benefits could be claimed — to almost nine years. The benefits apply to police and firefighters diagnosed with conditions such as cancer that are presumably job-related.

Republican critics called the bill an unaffordable giveaway to politically powerful unions. GOP Assemblyman Chris Norby of Fullerton said it pushes the notion of a death benefit too far.

Perez, a Los Angeles Democrat, said the state should take care of those who expose themselves to toxic chemicals for the good of the community.