Labor Committee considering harmful workers' comp proposals- March 4

The following bills will be up for public hearing in front of the Labor Committee on March 4th. If anyone has an interest in going to the legislative office building please let me know and I could get more information on where to be and what timethe hearing will start.


SB-255: EXPANSION OF DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS

This Bill would increase workers' compensation benefits and costs for employers by increasing the amount of money awarded as discretionary benefits. According to the state’s workers' comp insurance rating bureau, this bill could increase workers’ comp costs for the average employer by more than 50%.


SB-57: EMPLOYER ASSISTANCE WITH WORKERS' COMP FORMS

This bill Requires employers to provide and assist employees with the forms necessary to file a workers' comp claim upon notice of injury. If enacted, this proposal will increase the number of claims filed.


SB-63: POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AS A WORKERS' COMP CLAIM

Allows a mental/emotional disorder related to work with no associated physical injury to be considered a workers' compensation claim. Given the ever-increasing number of mental diagnoses and emotional disorders today, this legislation will significantly increase the number of claims against employers.


SB-64: EXPANSION OF SCARRING BENEFITS

Back again from last year, this bill expands benefits for scars and disfigurement to include scars anywhere on the body, regardless of their impact on earning capacity.


HB-5334: TIMELY MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR INJURED WORKERS

This Bill if passed would Penalize employers for delays in medical treatment for injured workers in instances where the employer challenges a recommendation for medical treatment.