Relating To Workers' Compensation.
This legislative change is designed to enhance financial compensation for partially dependent parents, thereby alleviating the economic burden they may face after a tragic loss within the family. By adjusting the compensation rates, the bill seeks to ensure that these parents receive a more equitable benefit that reflects their dependence on the deceased's income. This amendment could potentially improve the quality of life for these families during a difficult time, offering them better support as they navigate their new circumstances.
House Bill 922 modifies the workers' compensation framework in the state of Hawaii, particularly focusing on compensation rates for dependents of deceased workers. The bill amends Section 386-41 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to increase the weekly benefits provided to partially dependent parents of a deceased worker. Specifically, the percentage rate for these parents is raised from twenty-five percent to fifty percent of the deceased worker's average weekly wage, which aims to better support families who have lost their primary breadwinner.
While the intent of HB 922 is to support families of deceased workers, there may be discussions around the sustainability of increasing compensation rates within the current workers' compensation system. Concerns could arise regarding the financial impact on employers and the overall workers' compensation fund, as stakeholders evaluate how these changes might affect premiums and the long-term viability of the fund for all beneficiaries. Additionally, the bill does not retroactively affect past claims, leaving some parents without the benefits that the change seeks to introduce going forward.