Landmark Workers Comp Reform Passes House of Representatives

The authors of a landmark workers compensation reform bill praised the House of Representatives for its bipartisan support in passing the measure Thursday, and challenged Governor Brad Henry and the Senate Democrat leadership to support the legislation to save Oklahoma jobs.

House Bill 2619, authored by Ron Peterson, R-Broken Arrow and Sen. Scott Pruitt, R-Broken Arrow passed the House Thursday on a 95 to 1 vote.

Oklahoma ranks among the highest in the nation in the cost of workers compensation insurance. Oklahoma’s expensive, lawyer-friendly workers comp system is a leading cause of “job flight” from Oklahoma, as employers move to states with more business-friendly environments.

“Today 95 members of the House of Representatives passed an historic workers compensation reform bill. This mandate shows our commitment to address the critical need for reform and give much needed relief to employers across Oklahoma,” said Peterson. “Now it is time for Governor Henry and the Senate Leadership to follow the bipartisan leadership of the House and keep this issue moving forward through the legislative process.”

“The House’s passage of these landmark reforms gives hope to state employers that help is on the way, and is the first step in helping to stem the job flight from Oklahoma we have seen in recent years,” stated Pruitt. “The real challenge is whether Governor Henry and Senate President Pro Tem Hobson will allow this jobs-friendly measure to become law. Or, will they be obstructionists to protect their trial-lawyer allies?”

The bill is estimated to save state employers $100 million according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance. The bill does not decrease benefits to employees, but instead seeks to eliminate unnecessary litigation.