MS HB308

Eliminates the "five workmen rule" by reducing the mandatory employer coverage threshold from five employees to one employee.

Removes the waiting period for medical benefits, allowing injured workers to receive medical treatment immediately without any delay.

Revises permanent total disability compensation to be paid in increments of average salary with cost-of-living adjustments for the remainder of the worker's life, rather than the previous fixed 450-week limitation.

Extends the appeal period for workers' compensation decisions from 20-30 days to two years for both requests for commission review and appeals to the Supreme Court.

Requires the State of Mississippi to provide compensation to injured employees when employers illegally fail to maintain workers' compensation insurance, with the state seeking subrogation against the non-compliant employer.