Relating to increasing the amount of burial benefits required to be paid by an insurance carrier under the workers' compensation system.
If enacted, SB653 will significantly enhance the support provided to families of deceased employees covered under the workers' compensation system. The amendment applies to claims for workers' compensation burial benefits for injuries occurring on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2015. Legislative discussions indicate that this change is intended to better align compensation with current economic conditions and the rising costs associated with burial services. As a result, families will have greater financial assistance during difficult times, reflecting a more humane approach to workers' compensation.
SB653 is a legislative measure aimed at increasing the burial benefits required to be paid by insurance carriers under the Texas workers' compensation system. The bill amends Section 408.186(a) of the Labor Code to increase the maximum burial benefit from the previous amount of $6,000 to $10,000. This increase reflects a growing recognition of the financial burden associated with burial expenses, particularly for families of employees who suffer compensable injuries leading to death. The bill directly addresses the challenges faced by families in affording adequate burial costs in the wake of such tragedies.
The sentiment around SB653 appears to be largely positive, with widespread support from legislative members as indicated by the voting results, where the bill passed the House with a notable majority of 138 votes in favor and only 1 against. Supporters view the bill as a necessary and compassionate response to the needs of families dealing with the loss of a loved one due to work-related incidents. This strong backing suggests a consensus on the importance of addressing burial costs as part of the broader workers' compensation framework.
While the bill enjoys broad support, there may be concerns regarding the sustainability of funding for increased benefits within the workers' compensation system. The amendment to the burial benefits raises questions about how it may impact insurance carriers and the overall costs of workers' compensation insurance in Texas. Stakeholders in the insurance and business communities might argue about the potential consequences for premiums and the implications for employers who are ultimately responsible for funding these benefits. However, the recognized need for enhanced burial support seems to outweigh these concerns in current discussions.