Bill > HB0128

This bill makes several modifications to Tennessee's workers' compensation laws, primarily focusing on judicial appointments and procedural changes. The bill raises the minimum age for workers' compensation appeals board judges from 30 to 35 years old and increases the number of terms a judge can be reappointed from two to three additional terms. It allows judges who fill a vacancy for less than a full term to serve up to four additional full terms, and introduces a new provision enabling workers' compensation judges to impose sanctions of up to $50 per occurrence for contempt. The bill also expands death benefit coverage to include burial and cremation costs, extends certain provisions' sunset date from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030, and modifies judicial discretion in case hearings by allowing presiding judges to grant permission for parties to present issues not previously certified by a workers' compensation mediator. Additionally, the bill adjusts requirements for judicial experience, increasing the required experience from five to seven years, and modifies various procedural aspects of workers' compensation claims and judicial appointments. These changes aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Tennessee's workers' compensation system by providing more flexibility in judicial terms and expanding judicial oversight.

Business and Industry

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0128&ga=114