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House repeals century-old 'alien dependent' clause in workers' comp statute
Summary
House Bill 8 repeals an 'alien dependent' clause in statute 35-1-72 related to workers' compensation benefits; sponsor said repeal corrects anachronistic provisions and estimated a modest annual cost to the state fund.
Representative Ruston introduced House Bill 8 to repeal the 'alien dependent' clause in statute 35-1-72 of the code (workmen's compensation provisions). Ruston explained the clause dated from 1921 and currently restricts payment of full benefits to dependents who reside outside the United States or Canada; he argued dependents of workers should receive the face value of insurance policies regardless of citizenship or residence. Ruston estimated the state workers' compensation fund impact at about $35,000 per year (an approximate figure provided on the floor) and said the cost would not jeopardize the fund.
The sponsor said the clause conflicts with civil-rights principles; he asked for support. Voting was opened and closed; the transcript records the bill passed with 54 affirmative and 18 negative votes and was referred to the Senate for further consideration.
Next steps: Bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
