Workers comp claims by professional athletes may be limited in Calif.

A California bill that would limit workers compensation claims from out-of-state professional athletes has passed the California Assembly.

A.B. 1309 was approved on a 61-4 vote Thursday, according to the California Legislature website. The bill was sent to the state Senate for consideration.

The legislation would bar professional athletes and their dependents from receiving California workers comp benefits if the athlete was hired by a team outside the state. If passed, it would apply to minor and major league baseball, basketball, football, hockey and soccer players.

An August 2012 report by Seattle-based actuarial and consulting firm Milliman Inc. estimated that California comp cases from out-of-state professional athletes who played in the past 30 years could reach $1.57 billion, $825 million of which includes estimated losses from retired players who have not yet filed claims.