Tumwater, WA – The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) recently announced that it is proposing a 4.9 percent increase in the average hourly rate employers and workers will pay for workers’ compensation insurance next year. If adopted, the increase would mean employers and workers on average would jointly pay an additional $65… [Read more]
Legislative & Regulatory News
TDI-DWC Announces Proposed Rules on Claims for Death Benefits
Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is proposing amendments to Title 28, Texas Administrative Code (28 TAC), Section 122.100 and new 28 TAC Section 124.8, concerning claims for death benefits. The amendments and new section allow eligible beneficiaries to file claims for death benefits with DWC or an… [Read more]
NY Gov Hochul Signs Legislation to Support 9/11 Victims, First Responders, Loved Ones
Albany, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed five pieces of legislation in New York City to provide support to 9/11 victims, survivors and their loved ones. This support will help to remove barriers and delays from Victim Compensation Fund and workers’ compensation claims. In addition, two bridges and a highway will be designated to… [Read more]
US DOL Proposes Revised Procedures for Civil Penalties Under Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Comp Act
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise current procedures for imposing and appealing civil money penalties established by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. The act protects workers disabled by on-the-job injuries that occur in U.S. waters or in areas used for loading, unloading,… [Read more]
OR DCBS: Workers’ Compensation Costs to Drop for 11th-Straight Year
Salem, OR – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) recently announced that ine 2024, Oregon employers, on average, will pay less for workers’ compensation coverage. The decline in costs marks 11 years of average decreases in the pure premium rate – the base rate insurers use to determine how much employers must… [Read more]
New CT Law Adds Cancer Presumption to Workers’ Comp Benefits for Firefighters
Hartford, CT – Governor Ned Lamont recently announced that a new state law he signed making it easier for firefighters who develop cancer to receive workers’ compensation benefits will go into effect on October 1, 2023. Approved as part of the recently enacted state budget bill, this newly approved law creates a presumption during the… [Read more]
NH Sees 12th Annual Rate Reduction in Workers’ Comp Market for 2024
Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) approved a rate proposal filed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) that will reduce voluntary loss costs by 14% on average. “Over the past several years the state has worked hard, in coordination with our state agencies, to pursue policies that promote job growth… [Read more]
DOL Proposes Changes to Regs on Authorized Employee Representation During Inspections
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise regulations regarding who can be authorized by employees to act as their representative to accompany the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance officers during physical workplace inspections. Specifically, the proposed rule clarifies that employees may authorize an… [Read more]
NCCI Releases 2023 Regulatory & Legislative Trends Report
Boca Raton, FL – NCCI recently released its 2023 Regulatory and Legislative Trends report, which provides an overview of key legislative, regulatory, and other developments affecting the workers compensation system. The information aligns with the legislative cycle to include the latest countrywide, regional, and individual state actions and trends as of July 31, 2023. Resources… [Read more]
Ohio BWC: Public Employers’ Premium Rates to Drop Nearly 4%
Columbus, OH – Ohio’s public employers will pay nearly $8 million less in premiums next year to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) thanks to a rate cut that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. This 3.9% rate reduction was made possible by declining injury claims and relatively low medical inflation costs by… [Read more]