Illinois governor pushes workers comp reform
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Workers compensation reform bills to advance Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's fiscal turnaround plan for the state have been filed in the state House of Representatives and Senate.
In an effort to tighten regulations, H.B. 4223, filed Friday by Republican state Rep. Jim Durkin, would require an injured worker to prove that an “accidental injury arising out of the course of employment is the major contributing cause of the medical condition or injury for which compensation is sought.”
In addition, the bill states that injuries resulting from hazards or risks the general public is also exposed to, or medical conditions or disabilities resulting from personal or neutral risks, are excluded. It would also lessen employer liability for injuries incurred by traveling workers and reduce certain medical fee schedule payments.
Gov. Rauner's workers comp reforms were also introduced in the Illinois Senate on Friday by Republican state Sen. Christine Radogno as an amendment to S.B. 994.
Prior to the legislation being submitted, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Democrat, last week introduced three workers comp reform proposals as amendments to H.B. 1287. The amendments, which mirrored the plan of Gov. Rauner, a Republican, were voted down by the Democratic majority House.
Meanwhile, Rep. Madigan said Monday that Democrats will soon announce their own $36.3 billion spending plan, which, he conceded, “we don't have the money to pay for,” according to media reports.
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ORLANDO, Fla. — A large number of workers compensation bills proposed during the first quarter of 2015 involve first responders and the definition of an employee, speakers said at the National Council on Compensation Insurance Inc.'s 2015 Issues Symposium in Orlando, Florida.
