Missouri lawmaker introduces wide-ranging workers comp legislation

A bill introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives on Jan. 3 would amend current workers compensation law in several ways.

H.B. 1693, introduced by Rep. Bruce DeGroot, R-Chesterfield, clarifies that injuries sustained in a company vehicle while traveling from the employee’s home to the employee’s place of business are not compensable, according to the bill’s latest text.

In addition, H.B. 1693 states that to determine whether a mental injury due to work-related stress is compensable, the stress should be compared with that of employees working in the same position.

The bill also would repeal a provision prohibiting the employer from subrogating the rights of an employee or their dependents in certain claims in which a third party is liable to the employee or dependents, according to the bill’s latest text.

When liability is disputed, the bill provides for appellate jurisdiction to review a temporary or partial award of compensation, according to the bill’s latest text.

If passed and signed into law, the bill would become effective in August.