HB 319 Summary

• Increases workers' compensation benefits from 66⅔% to 100% of the average weekly wage for the state across all disability and death cases.

• Raises the maximum total recovery limit from 450 weeks at 66⅔% to 450 weeks at 100% of average weekly state wages.

• Expands death benefit eligibility to include "next of kin" in addition to surviving spouse for lump-sum payments, funeral expenses, and ongoing compensation.

• Changes maximum death benefit percentages from 66⅔% to 100% of deceased employee's wages for all dependent categories (spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, grandparents).

• Takes effect July 1, 2025.