Senate passes SB 1519 to change workers’ compensation time‑loss calculation

Senator Gorsek spoke in strong support of Senate Bill 1519, saying the measure replaces the current flat time‑loss benefit with a tiered formula that increases replacement rates for lower‑wage workers. “Senate bill 1519 replaces the current flat benefit calculation … with a tiered formula,” she said, and credited the Management and Labor Advisory Committee (MLAC) and stakeholders for unanimous recommendations and data review.

Senator Drazen confirmed a key implementation detail in discussion: the bill applies only to claims with a date of injury on or after Jan. 1, 2027, and is not retroactive. “This bill is not retroactive,” Drazen said, explaining that once calculated the time‑loss rate will not be recalculated based on later changes to the state average weekly wage; cost‑of‑living increases would follow statutory subsections.

Supporters said the change targets lower‑income workers who currently receive a proportionally smaller replacement relative to prior wages, framing the bill as a correction to increase equity in the workers’ compensation system. The bill drew no substantive amendments on the floor and, after a roll call on third reading, the clerk declared SB 1519 passed on final passage.

The measure was described on the floor as having the endorsement of MLAC and approvals through Senate Business and Labor and the Ways and Means committee. The bill’s effective date and administrative details about recalculation and post‑injury wage indexing were discussed and clarified during floor remarks.

SB 1519 will proceed according to the normal enactment and implementation steps for enacted legislation; Senate members recorded their votes during the third‑reading roll call and the clerk declared the bill passed.