Missouri bill would create joint committee on workers comp

A bill filed in Missouri in advance of the legislative session starting in January would create the Joint Committee on Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation to, in part, investigate disparity directed at minorities, low-income workers and employees under 35.

H.B. 1829 would create a 14-member panel consisting of seven members of the state House of Representatives and seven members of the state Senate.

In addition to investigating disparities against the aforementioned workers, the joint committee would also be tasked with determining the additional personnel and resources needed to adequately protect them and to improve their welfare and the welfare of their families.

The advisory group would also be charged with recommending changes that the General Assembly could enact to provide adequate due process and equal rights protections for the workers.

Other requirements for the committee would include making a continuing study and analysis of the DWC that examines bias, fraud, noncompliance, the investigation system and regulatory agency, and addressing the need for additional resources to improve fairness provided to injured minorities, among other tasks.

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