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Senate committee backs raising workers’ compensation burial cap to $10,000
Summary
The Senate Commerce Committee voted to send House Bill 67 to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation; the bill would raise the statutory maximum for burial expenses in work‑related fatalities from $6,000 to $10,000 and clarify that transportation costs are included.
The Senate Commerce Committee voted to send House Bill 67 to the Senate floor with a due‑pass recommendation. The bill raises the maximum burial expense payable under Idaho workers’ compensation for work‑related fatalities and clarifies covered expenses.
Sen. Tammy Nichols, R‑District 10, told the committee the current statutory cap of $6,000 for burial expenses has not changed since 1993 and does not reflect current funeral costs. "Adjusting for inflation, the 1993 cap would equate to approximately $13,000 in today's dollars," Nichols said. The bill would increase the cap to $10,000 and explicitly include transportation of the deceased in covered expenses.
Nichols said Idaho averages about 27 accepted work‑related fatalities annually and that other workers’ compensation benefits are adjusted regularly while this cap has not been updated for 32 years.
Tony Valdez, executive director and legal counsel for the Idaho Funeral Service Association, told the committee the association supports the bill. "The value that funeral service professionals provide to families in their time of need is immeasurable, and in certain situations, undercompensated," Valdez said.
Sen. James Ruckdey moved the bill forward; Sen. Ward Engelking seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote and reported the bill to the Senate floor with a due‑pass recommendation.
The bill now proceeds to the full Senate for further consideration.
