Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2209

Introduced
1/30/23  
Refer
1/30/23  
Refer
2/6/23  

Caption

Providing that national guard members receive benefits under the workers compensation act.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to simplify the claims process for eligible national guard members, providing them with clearer pathways to receive benefits for any work-related injuries or illnesses sustained. By applying the workers compensation act to national guard members, the legislation aligns their benefits with those of civilian workers, which supporters argue can lead to quicker access to necessary support and compensation for their service-related injuries.

Summary

House Bill 2209 serves to extend workers compensation benefits to national guard members in the state of Kansas, effectively changing how these benefits are administered. The bill stipulates that, beginning July 1, 2023, qualifying national guard members will be governed by the provisions of the workers compensation act. This shift is noteworthy as it provides a more uniform approach to managing the benefits received by national guard members, moving them from specific statutes to a broader workers compensation framework.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intention to support national guard members, it may also pose challenges, particularly concerning the overlap with federal compensation programs. The bill mandates that if soldiers also receive federal benefits for their service-related injuries, those amounts will be deducted from state compensation. This provision has the potential to raise concerns and debates regarding equitable treatment of veterans and their families, particularly if federal benefits are not comprehensive enough to cover their needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB292

Updating statutes related to the Kansas army and air national guard, providing for the appointment of a state judge advocate, providing for the adjustment of death and disability benefits and updating the Kansas code of military justice relating to certain definitions, unlawful acts and punishment requirements thereof.

KS SB430

Providing workers compensation act coverage for the Kansas national guard, limiting benefit reductions for retirement benefits, increasing dependents death benefits, reducing certain functional impairment requirements, increasing compensation for certain disability categories and for treatment without authorization, raising the evidentiary standard for future medical treatment, limiting certain procedures for post-award medical benefit claims, allowing benefit payment by funds transfer or payment cards, establishing procedures for neutral healthcare examinations, exchanges and admission of medical reports, extending employee injury notification deadlines, eliminating the deadline for motions to avoid dismissal for lack of prosecution, providing for expedited settlement and digital recording of hearings and other changes to the workers compensation act.

KS HB2063

Limiting current workers compensation benefit reductions that are based on the receipt of retirement benefits to reductions only to permanent disability compensation and only when retirement benefits begin after the accident.

KS HB2776

Providing workers compensation act coverage for the Kansas national guard, limiting benefit reductions for retirement benefits, increasing dependents death benefits, reducing certain functional impairment requirements, increasing compensation for certain disability categories and for treatment without authorization, raising the evidentiary standard for future medical treatment, limiting certain procedures for post-award medical benefit claims, allowing benefit payment by funds transfer or payment cards, establishing procedures for neutral healthcare examinations, exchanges and admission of medical reports, extending employee injury notification deadlines, eliminating the deadline for motions to avoid dismissal for lack of prosecution, providing for expedited settlement and digital recording of hearings and other changes to the workers compensation act.

KS HB2011

Providing a Kansas income tax subtraction modification for certain amounts received as compensation for members of the armed forces.

KS HB2534

Providing a Kansas income tax subtraction modification for certain amounts received as compensation for members of the armed forces.

KS HB2036

Providing a Kansas income tax subtraction modification for certain amounts received as compensation for members of the armed forces.

KS HB4086

Relating to workers' compensation benefits.

KS SB165

Permitting workers compensation benefits for first responders who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

KS HB776

AN ACT relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.