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 aims to provide greater financial support for the burial costs associated with workplace fatalities. Additionally, the bill makes various technical adjustments to the language of the statute, including replacing the term “to exceed five thousand dollars” with “more than $10,000” and updating the percentage terms from “per cent” to “percent” for consistency. Furthermore, the bill removes certain provisions, such as the retroactive applicability of the increased burial expense amount for the spouses of first responders and the definition of “first responder”. The overall intent of these amendments is to streamline the language and clarify the benefits provided under the workers' compensation system while ensuring that the burial expenses are adequately addressed. The changes are set to take effect on the general effective date upon passage of the bill.

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