Everyone should support first responders, but this bill is a step too far. Imposing significant penalties on a carrier for pursuing a valid WC dispute? We might agree, for example, that firefighters experience a higher incidence of certain cancers, but does that mean all firefighters who get that kind of cancer are automatically entitled to WC benefits? I think not. At least until there is sufficient medical evidence linking the cancer with the work. There are already remedies for handling disputes in the WC system…imposing an arbitrary penalty for participating in that dispute resolution process is bad law. Votes will align behind it, though, because politicians want to be knows for “supporting our first responders.”
I just read the text of the actual House Bill, and I’m actually ok with it as it reads. If I could delete my prior comment I would, but I can’t so I’ll go on record to say I would support the bill in its current form.
So Texas needs to pass a law in order to make it illegal for municipalities to illegally deny workers comp claims by first responders. First Responders. Let that sink in.
Everyone should support first responders, but this bill is a step too far. Imposing significant penalties on a carrier for pursuing a valid WC dispute? We might agree, for example, that firefighters experience a higher incidence of certain cancers, but does that mean all firefighters who get that kind of cancer are automatically entitled to WC benefits? I think not. At least until there is sufficient medical evidence linking the cancer with the work. There are already remedies for handling disputes in the WC system…imposing an arbitrary penalty for participating in that dispute resolution process is bad law. Votes will align behind it, though, because politicians want to be knows for “supporting our first responders.”
Sorry…should read “…politicians want to be known for ‘supporting our first responders.'” Typo.
I just read the text of the actual House Bill, and I’m actually ok with it as it reads. If I could delete my prior comment I would, but I can’t so I’ll go on record to say I would support the bill in its current form.
So Texas needs to pass a law in order to make it illegal for municipalities to illegally deny workers comp claims by first responders. First Responders. Let that sink in.