Lawmakers to consider bill protecting injured workers from debt collection

A Nebraska lawmaker on Friday introduced a bill that would bar debt collection agencies from contacting injured workers for unpaid medical bills if their case is before the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Legislative Bill 418, introduced by Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, nonpartisan, Omaha, and sponsored by eight lawmakers total, would amend the state’s workers compensation code to bar such practices.

A draft of the bill states “no collection agency shall attempt to collect a debt if a case is pending in the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court and the debt is alleged to be subject to” state law on fee schedules and employer payment requirements.

The bill has not yet been sent to committee, per the legislative digest.