SB 244 Summary

• Creates a Workers' Compensation Fraud Investigation Unit within the Attorney General's office, funded by the Commission, with a Director and specialized law enforcement officers having subpoena powers and authority to conduct investigations.

• Makes workers' compensation fraud a felony, including false statements to obtain benefits or coverage, with 50% of criminal fines directed to the Workers' Compensation Fund.

• Allows medical records and opinions created during investigations to be admissible at preliminary hearings without the medical professional's appearance, unless material evidence is excluded that could be presented by the medical professional at pretrial hearings.

• Requires carriers and employers to report suspected fraud violations and provides immunity from liability for good faith reports and access to records, with a presumption of good faith for persons reporting fraud or participating in judicial proceedings.

• Stays all pending workers' compensation proceedings after a preliminary hearing if an injured employee is charged with fraud, remaining stayed until final disposition of the criminal case.