SB 777 Summary

• Creates procedure for replacing disqualified Workers' Compensation Commissioners through Governor appointment of a qualified person to hear specific matters on a per diem basis equal to annual commissioner salary prorated by days served.

• Removes Commission's authority to determine constitutionality of workers' compensation act provisions, limiting the Commission's power to deciding factual issues only.

• Establishes Affidavit of Exempt Status form (prescribed by Commission) for individuals not required to carry workers' compensation insurance, creating a rebuttable presumption of non-employee status with a filing fee not to exceed $50.00.

• Establishes misdemeanor offense punishable by fine up to $1,000.00 for knowingly providing false information on notarized Affidavit of Exempt Status; requires conspicuous warning in ten-point bold print and Commission notification of violations to Workers' Compensation Fraud Unit.

• Prohibits employer liability for contractor employee injuries when employer relies in good faith on valid workers' compensation insurance policy or valid Affidavit of Exempt Status; effective November 1, 2017.