Comp bill would make failure to report income change a felony

Oklahoma lawmakers passed a bill to modify state workers compensation statutes to make failure to report an income change a felony.

H.B. 2236 would make failure to report a material change in income to an employer, insurance carrier or third-party administrator by an individual receiving temporary total disability benefits a felony punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine. The bill passed the Oklahoma House on Monday in a 79-14 vote and passed the Senate last month in a 33-13 vote.

The bill now goes to Gov. Kevin Stitt for consideration. If signed into law, the legislation would take effect Nov. 1, 2021.