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Senate advances multi-bill workers— compensation package after weeks of debate
Summary
The Utah Senate moved a multi-bill workers— compensation package forward Feb. 21, passing measures to fund safety programs, tighten uninsured-employer penalties, clarify contractor responsibility and define permanent total disability. Lawmakers debated amendments over Social Security coordination, attorney fees and administrative oversight.
The Utah Senate advanced a package of workers' compensation measures on Feb. 21, passing several bills after extended debate over how to balance cost control, workplace safety and protections for injured workers.
Senators passed Senate Bill 117, which establishes a mechanism to use a small portion of a workers' compensation assessment for accident-prevention programs and safety consultations for employers, and recorded unanimous support for the bill. Sponsor Senator David Bueller said the measure "provides some assistance to employers to help increase awareness and to provide opportunities for safety consultations" and stressed the package's four goals: reduce accidents, strengthen rehabilitation and return-to-work programs, reduce medical costs and increase fairness.
The chamber also approved Senate Bill 123, a more contested measure that revises the definition and management of permanent total disability and creates a framework for employers or insurers to locate reasonable part-time work for disabled employees. SB123…
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