HB 495 Summary

• Amends workers' compensation law to require proof by preponderance of evidence standard and removes language presuming favor toward either party.

• Increases waiting period for disability benefits from 5 days to 7 days before compensation begins, though medical benefits remain payable from date of injury.

• Increases maximum weekly compensation benefits cap from 450 weeks to 600 weeks at 66-2/3% of 125% of state average weekly wage, with minimum raised from $25 to $50 per week.

• Raises permanent partial disability awards for body parts (e.g., arm from 200 to 225 weeks, hand from 150 to 175 weeks) and increases disfigurement compensation cap from $5,000 to $10,000.

• Increases funeral expense benefit cap from $5,000 to $7,500, funeral maintenance compensation from $25 to $500 per week for up to 104 weeks, and modifies death benefit distribution to surviving family members.