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 is set at 80% of the employee's after-tax average weekly wage for a period of 500 weeks, with provisions for continued payments if dependents are under 21 years of age. The bill also clarifies the dependency status of spouses and children, establishing that a spouse living with the employee at the time of death is presumed wholly dependent for 208 weeks, and children under 18 are also presumed wholly dependent unless otherwise determined.

Additionally, the bill increases the maximum allowable expenses for funeral and burial from $6,000 to $12,000, and it modifies the criteria for compensation adjustments for injured employees earning less than 50% of the state average weekly wage. The adjustments can be made after two years of continuous disability, allowing for a potential increase in benefits based on the employee's earning capacity. The bill also specifies that the minimum weekly benefit for wholly dependent individuals is set at 50% of the state average weekly wage, while there is no minimum for total disability or partially dependent individuals.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 418.321