Wisconsin Senate Bill SB893

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/24
• Refer: 1/5/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Reclassification of land surveyors for purposes of worker's compensation insurance.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB893 aim to create a more accurate reflection of the risks associated with professional land surveying in the state's worker's compensation insurance framework. By changing the class code, the bill seeks to align the insurance classification with the actual risks faced by land surveyors, which may lead to more appropriate premium pricing. This reclassification could benefit land surveyors, potentially lowering their insurance costs if class code 8601 is associated with a lower risk profile than 8602.

Summary

Senate Bill 893, introduced by Senator Tomczyk and co-sponsored by Representative Snyder, addresses the classification of professional land surveyors in relation to worker's compensation insurance. The legislation mandates that the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance direct the Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau to reclassify land surveyors from class code 8602 to class code 8601. This reclassification is significant as it directly impacts how worker's compensation premiums are calculated and could affect the cost of insurance for land surveyors across the state.

Contention

While the direct text of the bill does not indicate major points of contention, the nuances surrounding insurance classifications and their financial implications are often topics of debate. Stakeholders in the land surveying profession may have varying opinions on the necessity of this change, primarily revolving around the assessment of risk and how these classifications can impact the operational costs of their businesses. Moreover, the bill's passage will depend on garnering support from both lawmakers and relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that the reclassification reflects an accurate representation of the profession's risk.

Notable points

As SB893 progresses, it may prompt discussions about the broader implications for other professions that also rely on specific classifications within worker's compensation insurance. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for future reforms in how occupational classifications are determined, thus having lasting effects on various trades and professions in Wisconsin.