DE SB145

Allows workers' compensation disability payments to be made by direct deposit with mutual consent, in addition to traditional checks, requiring claimants to sign authorization forms acknowledging they are legally entitled to benefits

Restructures penalty provisions for insurance carriers and self-insurers who violate workers' compensation laws, maintaining fines of $100-$1,000 per offense and potential imprisonment up to 90 days for certain violations

Redirects payment of self-insurer taxes and fines from the Secretary of Finance to the Department of Labor, Division of Industrial Affairs

Increases the expense assessment percentages for the inspection and safety functions of the Division of Industrial Affairs from 66.6% to 100% for calculating insurance carrier assessments

Modifies Workers' Compensation Fund procedures by removing the requirement that sums be paid through the State Treasurer while maintaining the fund as separate from the General Fund