The bill amends the Workers' Compensation Law in Arkansas, specifically addressing the limitations on wage compensation for permanently disabled claimants. It removes the previous cap of sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66%) of the employee's average weekly wage and eliminates the minimum payment of twenty dollars ($20.00) per week. Additionally, the bill removes various maximum benefit thresholds that were previously tied to specific injury dates, thereby allowing for a more flexible compensation structure for injured workers.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new provision that the weekly benefit rate will be rounded to the nearest whole dollar, ensuring that compensation calculations are straightforward and equitable. This legislative change aims to enhance the financial support available to permanently disabled workers, reflecting a shift towards more comprehensive and accessible workers' compensation benefits in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
HB 1612: 11-9-501(b)