This bill amends and reenacts specific sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning workers' compensation disability benefits and retirement presumption. Notably, it modifies the criteria for reinstating disability benefits after they have been discontinued. The new language specifies that benefits can be reinstated if the injured employee demonstrates a significant change in their medical condition and an actual wage loss due to that change, while removing the previous requirement that the employee must not have retired or voluntarily withdrawn from the job market.

Additionally, the bill repeals sections related to additional benefits payable under workers' compensation and introduces new provisions regarding retirement presumption. It establishes that an employee who has retired is presumed ineligible for disability benefits unless they can provide evidence to the contrary. The bill also outlines conditions under which an injured employee can continue to receive benefits after retirement, emphasizing the need for active job-seeking and availability for employment. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the process for workers' compensation claims and clarify the eligibility criteria for benefits.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 65-05-08, 65-05-09.3
INTRODUCED: 65-05-08, 65-05-09.3