The bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance definitions and provisions related to workers' compensation and employee benefits. A significant change is the redefinition of "disability" to refer specifically to the loss of "actual" earnings instead of "capacity." The bill also introduces a new definition for "electronic means," which encompasses various technological capabilities for communication. Additionally, it expands the definition of "compensable injury" to include mental health conditions that are physiologically caused by a physical injury, provided that the physical injury is at least fifty percent of the cause. Other contributing factors, such as emotional circumstances related to work injuries, are also acknowledged.

Moreover, the bill outlines the criteria for determining average weekly wages for different employment types, including seasonal and self-employed workers, and increases the maximum death benefit cap from $300,000 to $400,000 for employee deaths due to work-related injuries. It also raises the maximum scholarship amount from $10,000 to $12,500 per year for a maximum of five years. The amendments aim to improve clarity and effectiveness in the administration of workplace safety and insurance laws, ensuring that employees receive appropriate support and benefits in the event of work-related injuries or disabilities. The changes will take effect for claims filed on or after August 1, 2025, with certain provisions applicable to all claims regardless of the injury date.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 65-01-02, 65-01-16, 65-02-27, 65-05-17, 65-05-20.1
Adopted by the Senate Industry and Business Committee: 65-01-02, 65-01-16, 65-02-27, 65-05-17, 65-05-20.1
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 65-01-02, 65-01-16, 65-02-27, 65-05-17, 65-05-20.1
Adopted by the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee: 65-01-02, 65-01-16, 65-02-27, 65-05-17, 65-05-20.1
Enrollment: 65-01-02, 65-01-16, 65-02-27, 65-05-17, 65-05-20.1
INTRODUCED: 65-01-02, 65-01-16, 65-02-27, 65-05-17, 65-05-20.1