California A.B. 2091 – Signed by Governor 7/22/08, Chapter No. 193. An act to amend Section 5307.2 of the Labor Code, relating to workers' compensation. Existing law establishes a workers' compensation system, administered by the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers' Compensation, to compensate an employee for injuries sustained in the course of his or her employment. Existing law requires the administrative director to contract with an independent consulting firm, as specified, to perform an annual study of access to medical treatment by injured workers, and make recommendations to ensure continued access to that treatment. This bill would additionally require that the study analyze and make recommendations regarding continued access to prescription drugs and pharmacy services by injured workers. Full text available to lexis.com subscribers.

New York S.B. 6778 – Vetoed by Governor 7/21/2008. An Act to amend the civil service law, in relation to leaves of absence for public employees injured in the performance of their duties. Full text available to lexis.com subscribers.

New York S.B. 8400 – Signed by Governor 7/21/2008. An Act to amend the workers' compensation law, in relation to requiring carriers and the state insurance fund to file notification of the issuance, amendment or reinstatement of insurance contracts and the imposition of penalties against carriers and the state insurance fund for failing to furnish such notification. Full text available to lexis.com subscribers.

New York S.B. 8715 – Signed by Governor 7/25/2008. Establishes clear rules to determine when livery cab drivers in New York City, Westchester, and Nassau County are considered employees or independent contractors of livery bases--cab companies that dispatch livery drivers across the City. The new law also calls for the creation of a fund to give independent contractor livery drivers and their families workers’ compensation benefits in cases of severe injury or death.