House Bill No. 6863, also known as Public Act No. 25-12, addresses deficiency appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and outlines compensation for injured employees and the parents of deceased employees under the Workers' Compensation Act. The bill appropriates funds from various sources, including the General Fund and Special Transportation Fund, to multiple state departments, with significant allocations such as $284 million for Medicaid and $18 million for housing and homeless services. It also includes reductions in appropriations for certain agencies, such as the Office of Legislative Management and the Department of Education, while introducing new legal language that specifies appropriations and reductions, ensuring a reallocation of funds to meet current fiscal needs.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding workers' compensation by revising the compensation structure for injured employees and establishing a working group to study rehabilitation services. It repeals and substitutes provisions related to compensation for specific injuries, creating a new framework based on average weekly earnings. The bill also allows for supplemental benefits for employees engaged in vocational rehabilitation services and broadens eligibility by removing previous restrictions. The working group, consisting of various stakeholders, is required to meet monthly and submit reports by February 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027, respectively, to evaluate and recommend improvements to the Workers' Compensation Commission.

Statutes affected:
Public Act No. 25-12: 31-308a