National – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hosts a free three-day training event to educate federal agencies on providing a safe and healthful workplace for federal employees. The training will be August 6-8th at OSHA’s training facility in Illinois. Registration begins June 10 and is open until July 19th. To learn more, click here.
Alabama – HB 435 was scheduled to be discussed at the Ways and Means General Fund standing meeting on April 17th. As a reminder, HB 435 would expand the list of jobs considered under “first responders” who die in the performance of official duties, to allow state death benefits to beneficiaries to include coroners, deputy coroners, medicolegal death investigators, and medical examiners.
Arizona – HB 2274 secured support from both the Senate Republican and Democratic Caucus this week. As a reminder, HB 2274 was introduced back in January 2024, passed the House in late February, and is now waiting for Senate approval. HB 2274 if passed, would include workers' compensation coverage for firefighters and certified peace officers diagnosed with Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD) to cover a treatment protocol of MDMA (ecstasy) as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Colorado – B 24-1220 passed the House and is now in the Senate. As a reminder, HB 24-1220 would allow injured workers to receive benefit payments through direct deposit if requested and includes loss of an ear to the list of other body parts where employees can receive whole personal permanent impairment benefits. The bill also aims to ensure an injured employee will not be fired if they do not accept an offer of modified employment that involves driving to and from the place of employment if their medical condition restricts the injured workers from driving.
Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 433 this week. HB 433 prevents counties and cities from requiring private employers to do anything beyond what the federal government requires and requires to protect their employees from heat injuries.
Kansas – Late last week Kansas Governor Laura Kelley, enacted SB 430. As a reminder, SB 430 would provide workers’ compensation to the Kansas National Guard. The bill aims to increase dependents' death benefits, and compensation for certain disability categories as well as reduce certain functional impairment requirements.
Nebraska – LB 1017 was sent to the Governor this week. If enacted, the bill would amend the compensation schedule to include more than one limb to be covered if the limb cannot properly function or is missing.
New York – This week State Senator Andrew Gounardes (D) introduced S 9040. S 9040 if passed, would prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from penalizing pharmacies for providing patient information regarding the cost of services and prescription medication.
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