Arizona – The Senate passed SB 1551, and it is now under consideration in the House. This bill proposes to increase the dependents’ allowance for temporary total disability benefits from $25 to $100. It also revises the definition of an interested party to include third-party administrators and authorized representatives of insurance carriers in cases where the injured worker died. Additionally, the bill mandates a schedule of fees for medical care, dental care, and supplies, replacing the current language that specifies these fees be charged by physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
Georgia – SB 321 was introduced this week. The bill, if passed would exclude employees covered by the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act from Georgia’s state workers’ compensation laws.
Iowa- HF 673 remains in the House this week. HF 673 mandates that weekly workers’ compensation benefits include an employee’s overtime and premium pay in their calculation.
Kentucky - SB 201 passed the Senate and is now in the House. As a reminder, the bill aims to streamline the appointment process for administrative law judges and Workers’ Compensation Board members. The bill mandates certification of the necessity for filling positions 150 days before term expiration, allows the nominating committee to recommend retention of board members, and specifies the timing for new appointees to assume office.
Maryland - Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company announced a $55 million dividend for 2025, alongside an 8% net rate decrease effective April 1, 2025. This marks the eighth consecutive year of dividends, with $175 million returned to Maryland employers since 2018. The 2025 dividend will be distributed starting in May. To learn more, check out this article.
New Jersey –S788 remains in the Senate this week. The bill aims to exempt certain volunteer first responders from unemployment benefits and exclude their compensation for volunteer emergency services from taxable income.
Ohio – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced a 6% rate cut for private employers, which will take effect on July 1, 2025. This reduction is expected to save employers $60 million over their 2024 premiums and follows 15 previous cuts since 2008.
Oregon - According to an industry notice, the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division will move to an electronic process for the quarterly claims delinquency report starting in April 2025. Companies must designate a contact person and email their details to wcd.claimsdelinquency@dcbs.oregon.gov by March 31, 2025, to opt in for electronic reports.
Texas – HB 480 remains in the House. HB 480 if passed, would require building and construction contractors and subcontractors to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees.
West Virginia – HB 3068 was introduced in the House this week. HB 3068 aims to update the regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in West Virginia. The bill expands definitions related to PBMs, regulates PBM reimbursements, defines methodologies used by PBMs, and enhances consumer choice in pharmacy services.
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