Bill > HB44

This bill modifies Alaska's workers' compensation death benefits law by expanding the circumstances under which death benefits can be paid. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision (section 6) that addresses situations where no immediate family members (widow, widower, children) are dependent on the deceased worker and no dependent parents, grandchildren, brothers, or sisters exist. In these cases, the bill establishes a standardized lump sum payment of $120,000, which can be paid either to a single surviving parent, divided equally among multiple surviving parents, or paid to the deceased worker's estate if no parents survive. This change aims to ensure that in cases of workplace fatalities where traditional beneficiaries are not present, some financial compensation is still provided. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving state agencies and employers time to prepare for the new benefit structure. The modification continues the existing framework of workers' compensation death benefits while filling a potential gap in coverage for more distant or non-dependent relatives.

Business and Industry

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB44