Costly changes to employer contributions for permanent total disability (PTD) benefits are being considered in committee.

Currently, a worker injured on the job and found to have a permanent total disability for injury or disease occurring on or after July 1, 2026, receive monthly benefits during the period of disability at a percentage of the worker’s wage based on the size of their family. HB 2372 and its companion SB 6067 provide that in addition to paying this percentage of the worker’s wage, employers must contribute 100% of the employer’s payment or contribution to the worker’s health care benefits, unless the employer continues ongoing contribution of the worker’s benefits at the same level as at the time of injury. These health benefit contributions will not factor into the wage percentage benefit scale.

AWC is concerned with the bill as it would likely result in additional costly responsibilities to employers.

Date to remember

HB 2372 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee on January 20 at 10:30 am.

SB 6067 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee on January 23 at 8 am.