On March 11, the Ohio House passed House Bill 52—the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) budget—which saves employers money and makes some important reforms.
Here are four highlights of the bill, according to Tracie Sanchez, president/owner of Lima Pallet Company and board member for the BWC.
1. Streamlined adjudication process
The current adjudicating process requires employers to appear in person at two separate hearings when appealing BWC policies or decisions. “The proposal is to make the last level optional for employers, which supports greater efficiency and will simplify the process without compromising the employer’s rights to an in-person hearing if they choose,” Sanchez says. NFIB/Ohio worked with the BWC on this issue, helping secure an amendment allowing employers to opt-out instead of opt-in to the in-person hearing.
2. Removal of outdated programs
This includes long-term care loans and self-insured optional programs, which had little or no interest or participation.
3. DWRF funding
BWC is proposing to use its net financial position to fully fund the unfunded liabilities of the Disabled Workers Relief Fund (DWRF), which is dedicated to workers injured prior to Jan. 1, 1987, whose compensation has not kept pace with inflation. Since this fund is built into the premiums of all state-fund employers, even those whose businesses weren’t operational when the injuries took place, this proposal will reduce costs for employers.
4. Mandate removal for nonprofits
“BWC is proposing to remove the current mandate for unpaid corporate officers of nonprofit organizations to have to pay into the workers’ compensation system,” Sanchez says. “If an officer is a true volunteer, they would not be mandated to have workers’ compensation coverage. This will lift the burden and cost from charitable organizations.”
