Montana: Proposed reform to comp system heads to Legislature

A proposed plan to reform Montana's workers' compensation system will head to the Legislature for debate in 2011.

The Economic Affairs Interim Committee voted to unanimously endorse potential legislation crafted by a coalition of labor and management representatives to reform the workers' comp system. The Labor-Management Advisory Council asked the committee to approve the draft bill it believes will lower the cost of workers' comp while maintaining strong protections for injured workers.

Groups representing physicians and trial lawyers have taken issue with the proposed changes, arguing that they weren't included in the negotiation process for the legislation. Critics also noted that the bill doesn't include provisions requiring employers to improve workplace safety conditions, which have been a concern.

NCCI: Baby boomers pose little additional concern for comp system (05/31/11)
CWCI: Temporary disability benefits exceeding pre-2004 reforms (09/12/11)
Colorado: Division spells out maximum rates for certain benefits (06/28/12)
Oregon: Division seeks to define gainful occupation for evaluations (03/19/12)
Oregon: Division continues to promote preferred worker program (07/05/11)

The Legislature reconvenes in January.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

September 20, 2010

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