HB 1312 Summary

• Reconstitutes the Workers' Compensation Commission with three commissioners (one general attorney, one claimant representative attorney, one carrier/employer representative attorney) appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation, effective July 1, 2012.

• Converts the Commission to an appellate body that reviews administrative law judge decisions on the record only and cannot overturn findings of fact unless clearly erroneous.

• Transfers appointment authority for eight administrative law judges from the Commission to the Governor with Senate confirmation, with initial staggered terms of two, four, and six years followed by six-year terms.

• Grants administrative law judges full authority to conduct hearings, investigate claims, and make initial compensation awards, with commission review available within twenty days upon written request.

• Changes appeal procedures so that final Commission awards in appealed cases are conclusive unless appealed to the Supreme Court within thirty days.