Iowa Senate Bill SF371

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to preexisting military service-related disabilities covered by the second injury fund and including applicability provisions.

Impact

The enactment of SF371 is expected to alter the landscape of worker compensation for those veterans who have preexisting disabilities. Specifically, it limits the financial liability of employers in cases where a workforce member suffers further injuries on top of their previous military-related disabilities. The bill introduces an additional layer whereby any compensation due to the Second Injury Fund will consider the value of the prior military disability, effectively reducing the amount the fund would disburse to the injured employee.

Summary

Senate File 371 addresses the issue of preexisting military service-related disabilities in the context of workers' compensation law in Iowa. The bill proposes amendments to Section 85.64 of the Iowa Code, specifically modifying how compensation is handled when an employee with a previous disability from military service suffers a subsequent work-related injury. Under the new framework, employers will only be responsible for compensating the degree of disability resulting from the latter injury, without accounting for the previous disability caused by military service. This change aims to streamline the compensation process and clarify employer liability.

Conclusion

Overall, SF371 reflects a legislative effort to reform how disabilities stemming from military service are handled under Iowa's workers' compensation laws. The implications of this bill, if passed, underscore broader discussions around the balance between protecting worker rights, particularly for veterans, and managing employer responsibilities within the state.

Contention

While the bill seeks to simplify the compensation process by capping employer liabilities, it has sparked debate regarding the fairness of limiting compensation for veterans. Some advocacy groups may argue that it unjustly penalizes employees with military service-related disabilities by reducing their potential compensation. Concerns have been raised about whether this approach adequately supports those who have already sacrificed for their service and may face challenges in securing full compensation for their injuries.