Bill would amend comp payouts based on marital status, dependents

A bill was introduced in the Washington state Senate last week that seeks to amend workers compensation benefit entitlements based on marital status and number of dependents.

S.B. 5835 provides that the rate of benefits for married and single claimants be equal at 65% of the worker’s wages. The bill further establishes that claimants with children receive the same 67% of wages regardless of marital status.

The partisan bill was introduced on Jan. 12 and on Monday was heard in the Senate Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs Committee, where it is currently pending.