The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 28-33 related to "Workers’ Compensation — Benefits," specifically altering the weekly compensation rates for total incapacity due to injury. For injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2022, the weekly compensation is set at 62% of the employee's average weekly base wages, a decrease from the previous 75% for injuries before December 31, 2021. The maximum compensation rate is capped at 125% of the state average weekly wage as of October 1, 2017. The bill also redefines "spendable earnings" and specifies conditions for permanent total disability. It increases the dependent allowance from $15.00 to $25.00 per wholly dependent person, effective January 1, 2025, while maintaining the $40.00 sum for beneficiaries under § 28-33-12, ensuring the total does not exceed 80% of the employee's average weekly wage.

Additionally, the bill removes certain fixed dollar amounts previously paid directly to dependents and introduces provisions for annual cost-of-living adjustments for totally incapacitated employees, with the first increase dated May 10, 1991. A new section, 28-33-18.2, addresses compensation for injured employees who return to work in a different capacity, reducing the weekly compensation from 66 2/3% to 62% of the wage difference starting January 1, 2025. The bill also includes a new subsection (d) for resolving disputes over reimbursement or suspension of benefits through mediation and increases the dependents' allowance for totally incapacitated persons. The changes apply to injuries sustained on or after September 1, 1969, and the act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3068: 28-35-58, 28-37-10