WI AB651

Increases maximum compensation rates for permanent partial disability injuries occurring on or after the effective date: $681 (max rate $454) before January 1, 2027, and $693 (max rate $462) for injuries on or after January 1, 2027.

Expands PTSD coverage to include emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, in addition to law enforcement officers and firefighters, for mental injuries without accompanying physical injury.

Creates escalating penalties for uninsured employers: 1st/2nd violations incur 2x premium costs or $1,000-$2,000 minimum; 3rd violations incur 3x costs or $3,000 minimum; 4th+ violations incur 4x costs or $4,000 minimum.

Adds certified audiologist reports as admissible evidence for diagnosis, treatment necessity, and cause/extent of hearing loss in worker's compensation proceedings.

Makes submitting a fraudulent worker's compensation insurance application or misclassifying employees to lower premiums a criminal offense under s. 943.395, with insurers required to report suspected fraud to the department.