Connecticut House Bill HB07046

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 2/20/25
• Report Pass: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/17/25
• Report Pass: 3/24/25
• Engrossed: 6/3/25
• Report Pass: 6/3/25
• Passed: 6/4/25
• Chaptered: 6/16/25
• Enrolled: 6/25/25
• Passed: 7/8/25

Caption

An Act Making Revisions To The Second Injury Fund.

Impact

The revisions proposed in HB 07046 are expected to create a more efficient process for assessing employer liabilities connected to the Second Injury Fund. The State Treasurer, in consultation with the Insurance Commissioner, will have the ability to adopt regulations addressing these assessments, potentially leading to adjusted premiums. This change can significantly impact employers, especially those in industries with higher injury rates, as they may face different financial obligations based on their injury claim history and status as self-insured or insured employers.

Summary

House Bill 07046 aims to revise the Second Injury Fund, which provides financial support for employers dealing with injuries sustained by employees who already have existing injuries. The bill proposes changes to the method of assessing employers for their contributions to the fund and clarifies definitions related to insured and self-insured employers. This revision is intended to ensure a more equitable distribution of costs among employers while also enhancing the overall management of the fund to better serve injured workers.

Sentiment

Discussion around HB 07046 has largely focused on its implications for employer liabilities and the operational aspects of the Second Injury Fund. Supporters argue that the changes will streamline the process and help maintain the fund's sustainability, while critics may be concerned about increased costs that could unfairly burden some employers. Overall, the sentiment appears to balance on the potential benefits of improved fund management against worries about financial impacts on businesses.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 07046 relates to how changes to the assessment method may affect different employers differently, especially smaller businesses that might struggle with increased costs. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the clarity and effectiveness of the proposed regulations, which are yet to be fully defined. The debate highlights the delicate balance between ensuring adequate support for injured employees and maintaining affordable liability costs for employers.