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Senate committee hears unanimous support for updating housing rate in workers'comp rules
Summary
Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs heard proponents and limited opposition on SB 291, a bill to require annual updates to the administrative lodging rates used to calculate worker'comp benefits when housing is part of wages. Proponents said HUD county rates must reflect current rents; opponents sought narrower agricultural carve-outs.
Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs on Monday considered Senate Bill 291, a "fix-it" measure to require annual revisions to the lodging value used when an employer-provided residence is treated as part of wages for workers' compensation benefits.
Sponsor Senator Andrea Olsen of Missoula told the committee the bill simply codifies a practice the Employment Services Division can perform and that it ensures that the lodging allowance keeps pace with local housing costs. "This is a simple fix it bill, to annually revise what is provided under the rules," Olsen said in opening remarks.
Proponents described hardships when housing is lost after an injury. Jasmine Krotkov…
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