Amended House Bill No. 81 proposes significant changes to the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, focusing on governance, operational efficiency, and employee support. The bill establishes a board of directors consisting of eleven members appointed by the governor, with specific representation for employees, employers, and investment experts. It introduces provisions for board member attendance, stating that members who miss nine or more meetings in a year will forfeit their position. Additionally, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of the administrator of workers' compensation, emphasizing full-time dedication and the requirement to prepare a biennial budget, while removing the need for an annual budget submission to the board. The bill also introduces a chief operating officer position and modifies the fiduciary responsibilities of board members and the administrator.

Furthermore, the bill addresses various aspects of workers' compensation, including the compensation process for employees with permanent partial disabilities, the payment for prosthetic devices, and benefits for employees changing occupations due to health concerns from hazardous materials. It updates chemical testing procedures for employees post-injury and clarifies the rights of employers and employees regarding claims across state lines. The bill also enhances the authority of the administrator to conduct workplace inspections and investigations, particularly for public employees, and establishes provisions for incarcerated workers participating in federal programs. Overall, the bill aims to streamline processes, enhance accountability, and provide better support for injured workers while ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Reported By House Committee: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4121.41, 4121.45, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Re-referred to House Committee: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4121.41, 4121.45, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Passed By House: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4121.41, 4121.45, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Reported By Senate Committee: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Passed By Senate: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28
As Enrolled: 4121.12, 4121.121, 4121.13, 4123.44, 4123.52, 4123.54, 4123.57, 4123.66, 4125.07, 4133.10, 4167.01, 4167.10, 5145.163, 4167.25, 4167.27, 4167.28