Workers' compensation: firefighters.

Existing law specifies the time period within which various proceedings may be commenced under provisions of law relating to workers' compensation. With certain exceptions, a proceeding to collect death benefits is required to be commenced within one year from the date of death or, in some cases, from the last furnishing of benefits. However, no proceedings may be commenced more than 240 weeks from the date of injury. This bill would provide that certain proceedings related to the collection of death benefits of firefighters and peace officers may be commenced within, but no later than, 480 weeks from the date of injury, and in no event more than one year after the date of death, if specified criteria are met.