SUMMARY

This bill makes the following changes to the laws governing workers' compensation.

1. It provides that appointments to the Workers' Compensation Board be reviewed by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over labor matters, rather than state and local government matters.

2. It authorizes the Workers' Compensation Board to appoint only the general counsel and the executive director, and authorizes the general counsel and the executive director to hire the remaining personnel. Under this bill, the executive director may either appoint or contract with hearing officers.

3. It establishes 5-year terms for the executive director, the general counsel and the appointed hearing officers of the Workers' Compensation Board.

4. It specifies that the executive director and the general counsel are removable on the vote of a simple majority of the board.

5. It directs the executive director to submit the biennial and annual budgets.

6. It authorizes the board, without legislative approval and allocation, to expend up to 10% of the Workers' Compensation Board Administrative Fund in a fiscal year for unanticipated expenses.