Bill > SB2109

This bill proposes several amendments to North Dakota's workforce safety and insurance laws. The bill revises the definition of disability to focus on actual earnings loss rather than loss of earning capacity, introduces a new definition for "electronic means" to include various digital technologies, and allows for electronic communication of forms, decisions, and notices. It modifies the rules for mental health conditions related to physical injuries by specifying that such conditions must be physiologically caused and clarifying the contributing emotional factors. The bill also increases the maximum death benefits from $300,000 to $400,000 for families of workers who die from job-related injuries, and raises the annual scholarship limit for dependents of injured workers from $10,000 to $12,500 per year. Additionally, the bill updates the process for administrative decisions and reviews, including allowing electronic communication of notices and decisions. Most provisions will apply to claims filed on or after August 1, 2025, with some retroactive elements for specific amendments. The changes aim to modernize the workforce safety and insurance system, provide clearer guidelines for disability and injury claims, and increase financial support for affected workers and their families.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

Industry and Business (Senate)

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2109.html