Tennessee Senate Bill SB2094

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Chaptered: 3/19/24
• Passed: 3/19/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 50-3-702; Title 50, Chapter 6 and Chapter 189 of the Public Acts of 2021, relative to workers' compensation.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB 2094 are aimed at increasing accountability among employers regarding workplace safety and injury reporting. By tightening the reporting requirements, the bill intends to ensure timely intervention and support for affected employees. The adjustments to penalty assessments for non-compliance are particularly significant for those in the construction industry, as they face more stringent penalties that could financially impact their operations. This reflects a broader legislative intent to promote a safer work environment and reduce workplace injuries.

Summary

Senate Bill 2094 seeks to amend several provisions of Tennessee's workers' compensation laws, particularly concerning the reporting obligations of employers following work-related accidents. The bill stipulates that employers must report incidents that result in death or personal injury to the Bureau of Workers' Compensation within fourteen days. Additionally, it provides clear administrative guidelines on how employers must report these accidents and outlines penalties for non-compliance that include financial repercussions, especially for employers in the construction sector.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 2094 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, who see the bill as a necessary step to strengthen worker protections. Advocates for enhanced workplace safety standards argue that prompt reporting can lead to more efficient injury management and potentially lower the costs of workplace accidents in the long run. However, there are concerns from some employer groups regarding the additional burdens that the new regulations may impose, particularly the compliance costs associated with the more rigorous reporting processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for the amendments to create an undue financial strain on smaller businesses that might struggle to manage the requirements associated with the bill. Critics argue that while the intention behind the bill is sound, the implementation of stringent reporting timelines and penalties could disproportionately impact those without the resources to comply swiftly. Therefore, the discourse surrounding SB 2094 reflects a balancing act between ensuring worker protections and maintaining the operational feasibility for employers.