Yesterday, April 11, Governor Kelly signed Senate Bill 430, bipartisan legislation that comprehensively updates Kansas’ workers compensation system. She called it a big win for the Kansas workforce, businesses and organized labor, saying it will create a more just and efficient workers compensation system that increases the benefits for injured workers while creating administrative efficiencies and maintaining stability for businesses.
The legislation increases the maximum benefits for injured workers and adds a cost-of-living adjustment to those benefits beginning in July 2027. Additionally, it provides workers compensation coverage for members of the Kansas National Guard and significantly reduces the social security retirement offset for certain disability benefits. The bill also streamlines the workers compensation process by limiting the use of independent medical exams, requiring a timely exchange of medical records and creating the ability to settle workers compensation cases without the need for a settlement hearing. Labor Secretary Amber Shultz called it a big step forward in achieving a balance between workers needs and the realities of the business world.
