To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diana Becton, District Attorney
Report Title: FY 26/27 Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud Prosecution Program Grant Application.
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a Resolution authorizing the District Attorney, or designee, to apply for and accept funding in an amount not to exceed $1,700,000 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 July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% State funded, no County match required. The grant will fund salaries and benefits for Deputy District Attorneys, Senior Inspectors, Legal Assistants, Forensic Accountants, and other staff assigned to the program. Supplantation is prohibited. Approximate grant amount is based on current fiscal year 2025-26 award. Actual grant amount for fiscal year 2026-27 is determined after application submission, and a budget amendment will be submitted if necessary.
BACKGROUND:
The State Legislature has determined that fraud is one of the significant factors driving up the cost of workers' compensation insurance. While fraud is recognized as a growing problem nationwide, California is an area of concerted criminal activity in insurance fraud. The cost of insurance is a contributing factor to the high cost of doing business in the State. SB 1218 (Presley) was enacted to provide resources to enforce current state laws. If the grant is approved, the District Attorney will continue to assign staff to the criminal fraud division, which will be able to focus on workers' compensation fraud investigations and prosecuting cases.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If unapproved, the District Attorney will be unable to apply for an...
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