Section 71623.5.

(a) As of July 1, 2001, trial courts shall provide workers' compensation coverage for trial court employees under a workers' compensation program established by the Administrative Office of the Courts or a program selected or approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court requiring the Administrative Office of the Courts to establish a workers' compensation program for the trial courts and to provide guidance to the trial courts to ensure that the courts' workers' compensation coverage, including workers' compensation employer liability coverage, meets all legal requirements and is cost-efficient.

(b) If, as of the implementation date of this chapter, the county provides workers' compensation coverage for trial court employees, the county shall continue to provide the coverage, under the same terms and conditions as coverage was provided immediately preceding implementation of this chapter. This coverage shall continue for a transition period of up to 24 months after the implementation date of this chapter, unless the court gives the county 60 days' notice, or a mutually agreed to period of notice, that the court no longer needs the county to provide the coverage. Subject to approval by the Administrative Office of the Courts, the parties may mutually agree to county-provided coverage beyond the 24-month transition period.

(c) County provision of workers' compensation coverage for trial court employees shall not be construed to create a meet and confer obligation between the county and any recognized employee organization.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 270, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2002.)