Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley wants more severe criminal penalties for businesses that go without workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.
A bill filed earlier this month by Coakley’s office would make failure to carry worker’s compensation coverage equal to insurance fraud, in terms of punishment.
The lack of workers’ compensation insurance would be a felony in Massachusetts— rather than a misdemeanor, as it is currently — under the new bill, which is sponsored by Senator Katherine Clark (D-Melrose) and Majority Whip Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy).
Coakley’s office says the laws are “inconsistent” and the legislation would remedy that inconsistency and allow her office to prosecute businesses who fail to provide coverage for their employees.
It would also increase penalties. Failure to carry the coverage would mean up to five years in prison or a fine up to $10,000 — the same penalties as workers’ compensation fraud in Massachusetts.
Jeff says: 
John Q Agent says: 
How States Rank in Injury Prevention
More Top Executives Say Bribes for Business Acceptable
Study: Drug Testing Driving Calif. Workers’ Comp Costs
Maryland’s State-Run WC Insurer IWIF to Become Private Nonprofit Co.
Saints’ Vilma Sues NFL Commissioner Goodell for Defamation
Safety Report Cites Lack of Progress in Reducing Motorcyclist Deaths
A Year after Joplin Tornadoes, $2.16B in Insurance Claims Paid
Safety Inspections Don’t Hurt Businesses; Do Lower Workers’ Comp Costs: Study
