HF4661 Summary: Workers' Compensation Policy and Technical Changes

• Increases attorney fee limits from $26,000 to $55,000 per case and raises the initial compensation threshold from $130,000 to $275,000 for the 20 percent fee calculation, effective for injuries on or after October 1, 2024.

• Modifies temporary total disability compensation to increase the maximum weekly benefit from 102 percent to 108 percent of the statewide average weekly wage, effective October 1, 2024.

• Raises permanent partial disability compensation amounts across all impairment rating tiers, with limits increasing from $75,000 to $150,000 for workplace modification costs, effective October 1, 2024.

• Changes administrative conference procedures to allow compensation judges to conduct conferences (previously commissioner's designees only) and modifies discontinuance hearing procedures to require expedited hearings within 60 days.

• Increases violation fines from $1,000 to $2,500 for employers or insurers violating discontinuance requirements and updates electronic filing procedures for the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals, with most provisions effective August 1, 2024.