The bill amends existing labor and employment law in Wyoming to enhance the reimbursement process for appointed attorneys in contested workers' compensation cases. It authorizes hearing examiners to award attorneys not only a reasonable fee but also reimbursement for expenses, expert witness fees, and costs that are reasonably incurred during the proceedings. The previous requirement that attorney fees be limited to a reasonable number of hours and not exceed the benefits at issue in the contested case hearing has been removed, allowing for greater flexibility in compensation.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that any application for attorney's fees, expenses, expert witness fees, and costs must be supported by a verified itemization of services provided. It also clarifies that no fees or reimbursements will be awarded if the hearing examiner finds the claim or objection to be frivolous. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27-14-602