The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding workers' compensation death benefits, specifically increasing the burial expenses covered from $5,000 to $10,000. This change would be reflected in the relevant section of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically in section 23-1046. Additionally, the bill would make technical changes to the language used in the statute, such as updating the phrasing from “to exceed five thousand dollars” to “more than $10,000”. Furthermore, the bill would also revise the percentage language used in the compensation calculations for surviving spouses and children, changing “per cent” to “percent” for clarity and consistency. Other provisions regarding compensation for parents, siblings, and partial dependents would remain unchanged, but the bill would ensure that the funeral expenses for a deceased dependent would be updated from “not to exceed eight hundred dollars” to “more than $800”. Overall, the bill aims to modernize and clarify the existing statutes while increasing the financial support available for burial expenses in the event of a workplace-related death.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-1046
Senate Engrossed Version: 23-1046
House Engrossed Version: 23-1046