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House passes workers'‑comp reform; emergency clause added for line‑of‑duty compensation
Summary
Lawmakers approved a workers' compensation reform package on third reading and adopted an emergency clause specifically extending line‑of‑duty death benefits for first responders to prevent a lapse in payments, prompting a debate over need and impact.
The Missouri House on April 2 passed a workers' compensation bill that sponsors said clarifies statutory standards and creates new procedural mechanisms for insurers and courts. Lawmakers later approved an emergency clause limited to a line‑of‑duty compensation provision intended to keep a longstanding death benefit in place while other bills proceed.
Why it matters: Sponsors described the package as a statutory cleanup to ensure the workers' compensation system treats employers and employees fairly and avoids treating workers' compensation as a general health‑insurance substitute. Opponents argued changes make it harder for injured workers to qualify for benefits. The emergency clause affects families of first responders who die in the line of duty by extending an existing, time‑limited benefit.
What the House did: Representative (Gentleman from Saint Louis County) moved the House Committee…
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