The bill amends the Worker's Disability Compensation Act of 1969, specifically updating sections 321, 331, 335, 345, and 356. Key changes include the adjustment of compensation rates for dependents of deceased employees, where the weekly payment for wholly dependent individuals is set at 80% of the employee's after-tax average weekly wage for a period of 500 weeks. Additionally, if a wholly or partially dependent individual is under 21 years of age at the end of this period, a magistrate may order continued payments until they reach that age. The bill also clarifies the definitions of dependency and modifies the conditions under which compensation payments cease upon remarriage of a dependent spouse.

Further amendments include increasing the maximum allowable expenses for funeral and burial from $6,000 to $12,000, and establishing that the minimum weekly benefit for wholly dependent individuals is 50% of the state average weekly wage. The bill also introduces provisions for injured employees who have been receiving less than 50% of the state average weekly wage, allowing them to petition for an increase in benefits after two years of continuous disability. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the support provided to dependents and injured workers under the current compensation framework.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 418.321