The bill introduced by Representative Stewart seeks to amend various sections of the Revised Code concerning the Bureau of Workers' Compensation and includes appropriations for the bureau for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Key amendments focus on the composition and appointment process of the Bureau's board of directors, which will now consist of eleven members appointed by the governor, with specified qualifications including representation from employees, employers, investment experts, and the public. The bill also establishes terms of office, outlines vacancy-filling processes, and mandates that board members who miss nine or more meetings within a year forfeit their positions. Additionally, it repeals certain sections of the Revised Code, modifies board responsibilities, and emphasizes the need for the administrator of workers' compensation to have relevant management experience.

Significant changes include the replacement of the term "trustees" with "fiduciaries" regarding the board and administrator's roles, and the introduction of new provisions related to prosthetic devices and employee intoxication. The bill clarifies the compensation structure for employees with injuries or occupational diseases, including reimbursement for prosthetic devices and support for employees changing occupations due to health concerns. It also expands the definition of "public employee" to include incarcerated individuals and outlines the administrator's authority to conduct workplace inspections. The bill includes appropriations for various programs under the Bureau of Workers' Compensation and is designed to take effect immediately upon becoming law, ensuring a streamlined legal framework for workers' compensation.

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