Workers’ Comp Reforms Remain Top Priority
House to take close look at workers’ compensation bill
The bill to overhaul Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system is among measures being passed to meet last week’s deadline for measures to pass out of their originating chambers.
By Michael McNutt | Published: March 3, 2013
A bill that would overhaul Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation court and replace it with an administrative system that sped through the Senate will be slowed down in the House of Representatives for a closer look, House Speaker T.W. Shannon said.
Shannon, R-Lawton, said he generally supports the measure, but the House will take its time with Senate Bill 1062 to look at how the bill would reduce compensation benefits available to injured workers.
“Our main concern is that injured workers are not penalized and that the company that provides the benefits is able to do so in an affordable manner and that it doesn’t become a hindrance to doing business in Oklahoma,” Shannon said. “I haven’t seen the Senate bill to know exactly, but I think I like a lot of what I’ve heard about it. What I like about it the most is that it goes to an administrative system.”
House members: don’t fumble this one! We need this reform! Thanks for all your hard work.