Kansas Workers’ Comp Bill Increases Some Benefits, Streamlines Processes

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly last week signed Senate Bill 430, bipartisan legislation making comprehensive reforms to the state’s workers compensation system.

The bill, a result of collaboration between business and labor, provides coverage for members of the Kansas National Guard and streamlines the workers’ compensation process. It also increases the maximum benefits for injured workers and adds a cost-of-living adjustment to those caps starting in 2027. Key components of the compromise, which go into effect July 1, include:

• A reduction in the Social Security offset,
• A limit on the use of independent medical exams,
• An increase in the minimum weekly payment for permanent total disability,
• A requirement for parties to exchange medical records before a preliminary hearing,
• Introduction of medical reports without taking depositions,
• The ability to settle by written agreement rather than through a hearing and
• A presumption that no costs or attorney fees be awarded when requests for post-award medical benefits are provided within 30 days.

The bill also allows the records of hearings to be kept through digital recording and transcription by either a court reporter or a notary public.

“Senate Bill 430 is a win for our workforce, our businesses, and organized labor,” Kelly said. “The changes to the Kansas Workers Compensation Act will keep employers’ costs down while ensuring injured workers receive treatment in a timely manner.”

Topics Workers' Compensation Kansas