MS HB898

Amends Mississippi Code Section 71-3-47 to require the Workers' Compensation Commission to order an emergency hearing within 20 days upon request or petition of either party.

Brings forward Section 71-3-55 of the Mississippi Code, which governs investigation procedures, hearing procedures, rules of evidence, and venue for workers' compensation cases.

Allows the commission to conduct investigations and hearings without being bound by common law or statutory rules of evidence, and permits declarations from deceased employees to be admitted if corroborated by other evidence.

Requires hearings to be open to the public, stenographically reported or recorded, and transcribed, with hearings conducted in the county where the injury occurred unless otherwise ordered.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.