In 2027, a bill that will soon be signed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will begin to restructure the state’s workers’ compensation program.
Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas said on Thursday, April 11, that Senate Bill 430 is now ready for her signature. The state’s workers’ compensation program is updated by the bipartisan legislation.
Governor Kelly declared, “This legislation is a win for our workforce, our businesses, and organized labor.” This legislation’s reforms will create a more equitable and effective workers compensation system that keeps businesses stable, boosts benefits for injured workers, and creates administrative efficiencies.
Kelly added that the law provides a cost-of-living adjustment that would take effect in July 2027 and raises the maximum payouts for injured workers.
In addition, it lowers the Social Security requirement offset for some disability benefits and offers workers’ compensation coverage to National Guard troops.
“When it comes to crafting good policy when both sides of the issue are so polarized, a lot of collaboration is needed. Thankfully, experienced, level-headed professionals on both sides of this issue were able and willing to work together,” Kansas State Representative Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell) stated. “As Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, my job was to help navigate the legislative process, and their collaboration made it easy.”
According to the governor, the measure also expedites the workers’ compensation procedure by
- Use of independent medical examinations is restricted
- Standards for the timely transmission of medical records
- Removal of the requirement for workers’ compensation cases to have a settlement hearing
“This reform to our workers’ compensation system is a big win for every worker in Kansas,” Kansas State Representative Jason Probst, (D-Hutchinson) stated. “After years of erosion to basic worker protections, this compromise package signals a shift in how we will treat and assist employees in our state who suffer a tragic workplace injury.”
