Tennessee Lawmakers Vote to Delay Workers’ Compensation Law

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate have voted unanimously to delay a state law that requires workers’ compensation coverage for independent contractors who were previously exempt.

The vote last friday pushed back the effective date of the law until 2011, though lawmakers said they would work to rewrite the measure during the upcoming regular legislative session.

Larger contractors said the bill was needed to level the playing field, but smaller employers say the cost of workers’ compensation insurance would be prohibitive, especially amid current economic conditions.

Gov. Phil Bredesen hasn’t said whether he plans to sign the delay into law.