This bill amends subsection 5 of section 65-05-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to benefits for adaptations to real estate and motor vehicles for injured employees. The bill increases the financial limits for modifications to real estate and motor vehicles for employees who have sustained catastrophic injuries. Specifically, the maximum amount that can be paid for real estate adaptations is raised from seventy-five thousand dollars to one hundred fifty thousand dollars, while the limit for specially equipped motor vehicles or adaptations is increased from one hundred fifty thousand dollars to two hundred thousand dollars.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that allows benefits for employees who have not sustained catastrophic injuries, provided that the organization determines such benefits would be cost-effective and appropriate due to exceptional circumstances. The new language clarifies that these benefits are available for the life of the injured employee, regardless of any subsequent claims, and specifies that the organization cannot purchase real estate or cover insurance and maintenance costs for motor vehicles. The Act applies to qualifying expenditures made on or after its effective date.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 65-05-07
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Schreiber-Beck: 65-05-07
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 65-05-07
Adopted by the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee: 65-05-07
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 65-05-07
Enrollment: 65-05-07