AR SB682

Establishes a 450-week limit on permanent total disability benefits for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2017, with benefits paid at 66⅔% of the employee's average weekly wage.

Exempts employees with catastrophic physical injuries from the 450-week limitation, including spinal cord injuries causing severe paralysis, loss of both hands/arms/legs/eyes, severe brain or closed head injuries, second or third degree burns over 25% of body, and total blindness.

Sets a 450-week limit on compensation payable to dependents of deceased employees, except for those identified in § 11-9-527(d)(2).

Allows benefits for catastrophic physical injuries to continue until the employee's condition improves and they are no longer totally incapacitated from earning meaningful wages, with employers bearing the burden of proof for improvement.

Declares an emergency clause making the act effective upon gubernatorial approval, with immediate effectiveness deemed essential to the economic sustainability of Arkansas's workers' compensation system.