(March 29, 2023) – Today, the Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by Senator Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), held a hearing on Senate Bill 38, which increases the maximum compensation benefits payable by an employer for permanent total disability suffered by an injured employee. The bill increases permanent total disability, including temporary total, temporary partial, permanent partial and temporary partial disability payments paid from $155,000 to $350,000 for an injury. The committee heard from the following proponent conferees:

• John Nave, Kansas AFL-CIO
• Jeff King, Kansas Department of Labor
• Anita Miller, citizen from Topeka
• Jeff Cooper, presenting for Jennifer Young from Wichita
• Keith Mark, presenting for Chris Jacobson
• Jake Miller, Working Kansas Alliance
• James Gallagher, citizen from Wichita

The committee asked about what other states have for total disability and when it was last increased, in 2011. The committee expressed frustration that something needs to be agreed to by the parties and suggested a lifetime benefit rather than a cap. Conferees indicated a lifetime benefit is their preference. The committee indicated they could meet again to work the bill if the Senate president allows.