Committee unanimously releases bill to restore maximum workplace safety credit to 12%

The House Labor Committee unanimously released Senate Bill 248, an Insurance Department bill designed to adjust the Delaware Workplace Safety Program formula so employers can reach a maximum premium credit of 12 percent.

Kennedy Cook of the Delaware Department of Insurance testified in support on behalf of Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, saying the change would build on prior reforms (including Senate Bill 306) and restore the program’s maximum workplace safety credit, reversing an unintended reduction that had lowered achievable savings for some employers. “This legislation will build upon nine years of consecutive workers' comp rate decreases and ... resolve this by adjusting the formula to raise the maximum workplace safety credit back to 12%,” Cook said, noting roughly 900-plus participating businesses currently benefit from the program.

The committee record included the Department of Insurance’s estimate that about 932 businesses participate and that participation produces approximately $4,900,000 in annual savings under the program. The bill was described as having no stakeholder concerns during earlier industry consultation and having passed the Senate unanimously.

A motion to release the bill was made and seconded; the committee conducted a roll-call vote and approved the release by unanimous vote. Department and industry representatives who supported the bill said it would encourage safety investments by increasing the maximum premium savings available to employers and help sustain program participation.

The bill will proceed to the next stage of the legislative process for further consideration by the full House.