Governor Kelly has signed bipartisan legislation Senate Bill 430 into law
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 430, a bipartisan workers compensation overhaul bill meant to provide comprehensive updates to the laws in the state.
Changes were broadly believed to be long overdue for the state
“This legislation is a win for our workforce, our businesses, and organized labor,” said Kelly. “The reforms in this legislation will create a more just and efficient workers compensation system that increases the benefits for injured workers while creating administrative efficiencies and maintaining stability for businesses.”
The newly signed legislation boosts the maximum benefits available to injured workers while also adding adjustments for cost-of-living to those benefits. The changes will go into effect in July 2027.
The new legislation will also give coverage to members of the Kansas National Guard and will substantially shrink the Social Security retirement offset for some types of disability benefits.
A streamlined workers compensation system
When Senate Bill 430 goes into effect, it will also streamline the process for coverage through the limitation o fuse of independent medical exams, requiring that medical records be exchanged in a timely manner, and by creating the ability to settle cases without having to undergo a settlement hearing.
““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,” said State Representative Sean Tarwater (District 27). “As Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, my job was to help navigate the legislative process, and their collaboration made it easy.”
The bipartisan bill was very popular
“This reform to our workers compensation system is a big win for every worker in Kansas,” added District 102’s State Representative Jason Probst. “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.”
“This legislation is a significant step forward in achieving a balance between workers’ needs and the realities of the business world,” underscored Amber Shultz, Kansas Labor Secretary.
