MO HB893

Limits new claims against the second injury fund to injuries occurring prior to July 1, 2011, with a deadline of July 1, 2013 for filing such claims.

For injuries on or after July 1, 2011, employers and insurers become responsible for compensating combined permanent disabilities instead of the second injury fund covering the excess.

Establishes a priority payment system for remaining fund liabilities: legal defense expenses first, followed by permanent total disability awards, permanent partial disability awards, and then medical expenses for pre-July 1, 2011 injuries.

Authorizes surcharges on workers' compensation policyholders and self-insurers (up to 3 percent, or up to 4 percent as supplemental surcharges) to fund the second injury fund's remaining obligations and administrative costs.

Increases the state treasurer's settlement authority from previous limits to up to 100 weeks of average weekly wages and allows settlements related to the Schoemehl v. Treasurer of Missouri court decision.