This bill amends the percentage of workers' compensation indemnity benefits for employees with temporary total disabilities and permanent partial disabilities. Specifically, it changes the weekly compensation rate from 60 to 66 2/3 percent of the employee's average weekly wage, provided that the employee's wage exceeds 30 percent of the state's average weekly wage. For permanent partial disabilities, the compensation will also be calculated at 66 2/3 percent of the difference between the employee's average weekly wage before the injury and their post-injury earning capacity. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage and is expected to result in increased expenditures for the state and local governments due to higher weekly compensation payments. The exact financial impact will depend on the number of claims filed and the average wage levels of affected employees. The Department of Labor has indicated that the bill does not provide specific funding, and the fiscal impact is indeterminable, with potential increases in expenditures for the General Fund, Highway Fund, and various agency funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 281-A:28, 281-A:31-a
HB744 text: 281-A:28, 281-A:31-a