This bill proposes a series of amendments to Minnesota's workers' compensation laws, focusing on coverage, hearing processes, and the responsibilities of employers and insurers. Key changes include the updated definition of "administrative conference," allowing a compensation judge to conduct these meetings with a commissioner's designee, and the modification of the definition of "child" to replace "father" with "parent." The calculation of "weekly wage" is also revised to include specific provisions for agricultural employees working less than 30 days in a calendar year. Additionally, the bill increases the maximum attorney fees for legal services from $26,000 to $55,000 and raises the maximum weekly compensation for temporary total disability from $102 to $108, both effective October 1, 2024.

Further amendments address the roles of employers and insurers, particularly regarding medical examinations and the discontinuation of compensation payments. The bill mandates that employers cover costs associated with employee examinations and outlines the requirement for timely reporting of physician evaluations. It also clarifies that both employers and insurers must provide written notice for discontinuing compensation payments, with specific procedures for employees to contest such actions. The bill increases the maximum fine for violations related to compensation discontinuance from $1,000 to $2,500 and specifies that compensation judges will handle certain decisions, streamlining the process for disputes. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency within the workers' compensation system in Minnesota, with most provisions set to take effect on August 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 176.011, 176.104, 176.106, 176.129, 176.1292, 176.155, 176.231, 176.238, 176.239, 176.253, 176.2611, 176.271, 176.275, 176.285, 176.305, 176.321, 176.322, 176.341, 176.361, 176.421
1st Engrossment: 176.011, 176.101, 176.102, 176.104, 176.106, 176.129, 176.1292, 176.137, 176.155, 176.231, 176.238, 176.239, 176.253, 176.2611, 176.271, 176.275, 176.285, 176.305, 176.321, 176.322, 176.341, 176.361, 176.421