Members Share Workers' Comp Concerns with Sen. Diane Black

Sumner County members recently met with state Sen. Diane Black (Gallatin) to discuss workers’ compensation and unemployment challenges.

Ron Jones and Randy Jones with Randy Jones Construction hosted the roundtable discussion, which was dominated by members’ concerns with Public Chapter 1041, which will require construction subcontractors to carry workers’ compensation on themselves beginning Jan. 1

The overwhelming feedback from the group, which included a subcontractor, general contractor, insurance agents and other small businessmen, was that the new law has unfortunately “lumped the good apples with the bad apples.”

David Thurman, a subcontractor who said he has always provided workers’ compensation coverage for his employees, said he is disappointed he is being required to purchase his own policy.

He said the requirement, which will cost him more than $6,000, comes at a time when his business is struggling because of the recession and may force him to close, like many competitors.

Insurance agents Jimmy Anderson with Lee Raines Insurance, Reese Legge with Donoho Holt Legge Insurance Agency and others agreed with Thurman that PC 1041 is hurting small businesses.

Speak out on workers' comp

Black and other legislative leaders have asked NFIB and other groups to offer potential solutions regarding Public Chapter 1041.

Your feedback during the coming months will be critical in this process.

We encourage effected members to contact their state representative and senator to share concerns. Please copy us on your communications.

On a positive note, last session, we joined with the Home Builders Association of Tennessee and Associated Builders & Contractors to help establish a new workers’ compensation classification code for sole proprietors and LLC officers in the construction industry, providing some relief.