Oklahoma Workers’ Comp Bill Passes Senate, House Wants to Make It ‘Stronger’

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House Speaker T.W. Shannon says a Senate bill to overhaul Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system could undergo changes in the House.

On Feb. 27, senators voted 34-12 for the Republican-backed bill, mostly along party lines, although two Republicans opposed it. Senate Bill 1062 was sent to the House for consideration.

The bill would transform Oklahoma’s Workers’ Compensation Court into an administrative system overseen by commissioners appointed by the governor.

Republican leaders say the overhaul is needed to reduce the high cost of workers’ comp insurance but Democrats say there’s no guarantee the bill will lower costs.

The bill would transform Oklahoma’s Workers’Compensation Court into an administrative system.

Shannon supports the idea of shifting Oklahoma’s Workers’ Compensation Court to an administrative system but said the House still has to closely analyze the 260-page measure and look for ways to make it “even stronger.”

Opponents say the cost savings realized under the bill come mostly by limiting benefits to injured workers.

If the bill is modified, it would have to return to the Senate for consideration.