Workers’ Comp Bills Move Out of Oklahoma Senate Committee

Two measures aimed at reforming Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system have passed out of the state’s Senate Judiciary Committee. Both bills were authored by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee.

The bills are SB 1973, described as a comprehensive workers’ compensation reform bill, and SJR 66, which would limit claims for legal services for workers’ compensation benefits.

Among other things, SB 1973 would:

• Decrease the number of Workers’ Comp Court judges from 10 to 8;
• Increase terms of judges from six years to eight years, limiting to one term;
• Qualify current judges for reappointment to one eight-year term;
• Create and defines the position of Medical Director” of the Worker’s Comp Court;
• Define “major cause”;
• Exempt employers from liability for injuries arising outside the course of employment.

Oklahoma Senate Republicans have said workers’ comp reform is high on their agenda for the 2010 legislative session.

Source: Oklahoma Legislature

Topics Workers' Compensation Politics Oklahoma