Bill > HB06408

This bill modifies existing workers' compensation law to expand compensation options for families of employees who die in work-related accidents. Specifically, the bill amends a section of the general statutes to provide compensation in cases where the deceased employee has no presumptive dependents. Under the new provisions, if there are no presumptive dependents, compensation can now be divided in two ways: first, among persons who were wholly dependent on the employee, or second, equally among the next of kin of the deceased employee. The compensation will continue to be paid at the full rate for wholly dependent individuals and can be paid for up to 312 weeks from the date of the employee's death. For partially dependent individuals, the compensation will be calculated based on the average weekly sum the deceased employee contributed, with a minimum of twenty dollars weekly. This change aims to ensure that families of workers who die on the job can receive financial support, even if the employee did not have traditional dependents at the time of death. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.