Bill No.: HB0054                  Drafter:  JWL

LSO No.:  09LSO-0093              Effective Date:  7/1/2009

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0092

Chapter No.:       156

Prime Sponsor: Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee

Catch Title: Workers' compensation amendments.

Subject: Worker's Compensation Act - miscellaneous amendments

Summary/Major Elements: This act:

· Provides that the state fund shall contribute pro rata to attorney fees and costs incurred in producing the fund's subrogation recovery;

· Authorizes elective coverage for corporate officers, limited liability company members, partners and sole proprietors;

· Revises criteria for employer premium credits;

· Increases dependent children's, death, permanent impairment and temporary total disability benefits;

· Provides a cost of living increase for permanent total benefits;

· Extends the maximum period of vocational rehabilitation benefits;

· Extends the age limit for dependent children's benefits while still in post-secondary education;

· Imposes a time limit on the recovery of overpayments by the worker's compensation division;

· Allows for redetermination of claims decisions when an appeal deadline was missed because of an attorney's negligence;

· Authorizes an additional position in the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Comments:

· Amends major program-the Wyoming Worker's Compensation Act.

· Appropriates $82,500 from the worker's compensation account and $67,500 from the highway fund to Office of Administrative Hrgs.