Signed by Governor Tony Evers

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends several worker compensation laws in the state of Wisconsin.

Highlights:

• Amends several worker compensation laws in the state of Wisconsin, including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1-24):

• Increase the permanent partial disability weekly rate by $8 for injuries occurring in 2024, and after the effective date from $430 to $438, and by an additional $8 to $446 for injuries occurring on and after Jan. 1, 2025;

• Allow lump sum payments for permanent partial disability for unaccrued compensation to be paid voluntarily in advance in undisputed claims with no 5% interest credit;

• Incorporate gender-neutral language relating to marriage in Wis. Stats. 102.51(1)(a);

• Clarify duties between DWD's Worker's Compensation (WC) Division and the Department of Administration's (DOA) Division of Hearings and Appeals (DHA) concerning closing cases;

• Provide that the statute limitations begin to run on the date DHA issues an order that approves a compromise agreement and that subsequent claims will not be time-barred except by the applicable statute of limitations;

• Correct citations to mirror federal rehabilitation law; and

• Increase the amount of large Uninsured Employer Fund (UEF) claims that require reimbursement from worker's compensation insurance carriers from $1 million to $2 million.

• Specifies that the aforementioned provisions shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 1-24).

Full Bill Text