Worker’s Compensation Bill Passes Oklahoma Senate

The Oklahoma Senate has passed a bill aimed at worker’s compensation system reform, SB 1973, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee.

Provisions of SB 1973 include:

• Decreases the number of Worker’s Comp Court judges from 10 to 8;
• Increases terms of judges from six years to eight years, limiting to one term;
• Qualifies current judges for reappointment to one eight-year term;
• Creates and defines the position of Medical Director of the Worker’s Comp Court;
• Defines “major cause”:
• Exempts employers from liability for injuries arising outside the course of employment.

“These reforms are vital to ensuring the economic viability of Oklahoma business – both large and small,” Coffee said. “With the reforms outlined in this legislation, Oklahoma’s Worker’s Compensation system will be more fair, equitable and efficient,” said Coffee.

He said the bill was the result of “hours of discussions with all stake holders in this issue, from business to the medical and legal communities.”

The bill passed by a vote of 28 to 18. The Associated Press reports that Senate Democratic leader Charlie Laster called the bill a legislative “power grab.”

Among the provisions that drew the most concern from Democratic lawmakers was a plan to decrease the number judges on the court, limit their terms and require Senate confirmation of nominees.

The Oklahoma House passed it’s own package of workers’ compensation reform bills earlier in March.

Source: Oklahoma Legislature; Associated Press

Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Oklahoma Politics