The bill seeks to repeal section 287.280 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and replace it with new provisions aimed at enhancing supplemental workers' compensation insurance for volunteer firefighters injured in the line of duty. The new language allows employers or groups of employers to contract for additional insurance coverage that surpasses the statutory limits set by current workers' compensation law, particularly for benefits like temporary total disability. It also enables volunteer fire departments, municipalities, or regional associations to contribute to the premiums for this supplemental insurance, even if they are authorized to self-insure their workers' compensation liabilities. Additionally, county and municipal governing bodies are permitted to use unearmarked tax proceeds to fund this supplemental coverage. Moreover, the bill introduces regulations for self-insured groups, including requirements for uniform experience rating plans and premium rate filings. It allows self-insured trusts to invest surplus funds with the division's approval and outlines procedures for addressing insolvency among self-insured groups. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of records related to workers' compensation cases while providing specific provisions for subpoenaing relevant information, ensuring that the findings by the division can be reviewed. Overall, this legislative change aims to provide greater financial protection for volunteer firefighters who sustain injuries while performing their duties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5747H.01): 287.280