Bill would require employers to notify workers on long-term comp about potential repayment obligations

Senate Bill 169 would require employers who provide supplemental pay to workers receiving workers' compensation benefits to notify those employees of anticipated repayment obligations and repayment methods, supporters said at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing.

The measure, introduced by Sen. Cindy Rosenwald, aims to reduce “surprise” debts owed by employees who receive both employer-paid salary continuation and indemnity payments from workers' compensation insurers. Rosenwald said the bill would not shift costs from employees to employers; it would require routine, transparent communication so workers can plan for amounts they may later be asked to reimburse.

Rosenwald said workers' compensation benefits in New Hampshire are governed by RSA 281-A and usually replace roughly 60% of regular wages. She and firefighter union representatives described situations where employers…