OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A bill to convert Oklahoma's
Workers' Compensation Court into an administrative system cleared its
first hurdle and is now headed to the full Senate for consideration.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 8-2 Tuesday
for the 260-page Administrative Workers' Compensation Act by Senate
President Pro Tem Brian Bingman. Both no votes came from Democrats, who
have raised concerns the changes will result in reduced benefits for
injured workers.
Bingman says high workers' compensation insurance
premium costs for businesses in Oklahoma are proving to be a drag on the
state's economy and "the biggest roadblock to a stronger economy." He
cited a recent national study that shows Oklahoma has 1 of the highest
premium rates in the country.
The bill is modeled on Arkansas' administrative system.
Online:
Senate Bill 1062: http://bit.ly/Vtq0mb
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