House Appropriations Committee advances H.173 after adding per-diem language for working-group legislators

The House Appropriations Committee voted to advance H.173 on April 23, 2026. The bill narrows a previously proposed removal of an initial screening for vocational rehabilitation claimants, requires a clearer notice form for injured workers, creates a temporary working group to review intake and access, and adds apprenticeship language to align with federal requirements; the committee approved an amendment clarifying per diem and expense payments for two legislative working-group members.