HB 617

            
2020 SESSION

20107419D

HOUSE BILL NO. 617

AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE

(Proposed by the House Committee on Appropriations

on February 5, 2020)

(Patron Prior to Substitute--Delegate Guzman)

A BILL to direct the Virginia Workers Compensation Commission
to engage a national research organization to examine the implications of
covering workers injuries caused by repetitive motion through the Virginia
workers compensation system.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. � 1. That the Virginia Workers Compensation
Commission shall engage an independent and reputable national research
organization with expertise in workers compensation policy to conduct an
analysis to (i) develop options for covering workers injuries caused by
repetitive motion through the Virginia workers compensation system and (ii)
summarize key policy considerations associated with modifying the Code of
Virginia to cover injuries caused by repetitive motion. The analysis shall take
into consideration (a) the annual number of injuries caused by repetitive
motion to workers in Virginia and other states; (b) other states evidentiary
requirements for claiming workers compensation benefits for such injuries; (c)
necessary changes to Virginias statutory provisions; and (d) impacts on
workers, employers, and insurers. The Virginia Workers Compensation Commission
shall ensure that the proposed options and policy considerations be submitted
to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate
Committee on Finance and Appropriations by November 30, 2020.