To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diana Becton, District Attorney
Report Title: 2024/25 Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud Prosecution Program Grant Application
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution No. 2024/XXX authorizing the District Attorney, or designee, to apply for and accept funding in an amount not to exceed $1,387,084 from the Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud Prosecution Program, and to execute a grant award agreement, and any extensions or amendments thereof, pursuant to State guidelines, with the California Department of Insurance for the investigation and prosecution of workers' compensation fraud cases for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approximately $1,387,084. 100% State funded, no County match required. The grant will fund salaries and benefits for Deputy District Attorneys, Senior Inspectors, Legal Assistant, Forensic Accountant, and other staff assigned to the program. Supplantation is prohibited. This revenue is budgeted in fiscal year 2024-25. Approximate grant amount is based on current fiscal year 2023-24 award. Actual grant amount for fiscal year 2024-25 is determined after application submission.
BACKGROUND:
The State Legislature has determined that one of the significant factors driving up the cost of workers' compensation insurance is fraud. While fraud is recognized as a growing problem across the country, California is an area of concerted criminal activity in insurance fraud. The cost of insurance is a factor in the high cost of doing business in the State. SB 1218 (Presley) was enacted to provide resources for enforcement of current laws. If the grant is approved, the District Attorney will continue to place staff in the criminal fraud division, who will be able to concentrate on the problem of workers' compensation fraud.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If unapproved, the District Attorney will be unable to apply...
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