An Act Concerning Workers' Compensation Form 30-c.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a standardized procedure for municipal workers to submit their claims, thereby ensuring that all notices of claims are properly received and processed within a stipulated timeframe of twenty-eight days. This change is anticipated to streamline the process of accessing workers' compensation benefits, likely leading to faster payment and resolution times for employees injured on the job. Advocates argue that the new procedure will enhance communication and accountability between municipal employers and employees regarding claims.
Summary
House Bill 6147 aims to amend the current workers' compensation statutes by establishing a formal intake process for municipal employees. The bill specifies that these employees must file a workers' compensation claim using Form 30-C with a town or city clerk to initiate the claims process. This requirement mirrors the existing process applicable to state employees, which promotes uniformity and integrity in the workers' compensation system across different levels of government administration.
Contention
While proponents of HB 6147 believe that formalizing the claims process will help to uphold the integrity of the workers' compensation system, opponents may raise concerns about the increased bureaucratic requirements placed upon municipal employees during what can be a stressful time following a workplace injury. Critics might argue that such administrative processes could potentially slow down the initial stages of claims and may introduce barriers for employees who are already in need of timely support and assistance.