SB2624 Summary

• Restricts workers' compensation for traveling employees to injuries occurring while actively engaged in job duties, excluding commutes and breaks.

• Defines "accident" and "injury" to require that compensable injuries be the major contributing cause (more than 50% responsible) and excludes injuries from idiopathic (disease) causes.

• Limits cumulative awards for partial disability to 500 weeks total, representing complete loss of body function, and deducts prior partial disability awards for same body part from subsequent injury awards.

• Eliminates temporary partial disability and maintenance benefits for employees discharged for cause, though the Commission may reinstate benefits after a hearing if discharge was determined not to be for cause.

• Clarifies that shoulder injuries are considered arm injuries and hip injuries are considered leg injuries for purposes of workers' compensation benefit calculations under the schedule.