Modifies provisions relating to supplemental workers' compensation insurance for volunteer firefighters
Summary
HB1191 repeals and reenacts section 287.280, RSMo, to revise Missouri workers’ compensation law with a focus on supplemental coverage for volunteer firefighters. The bill authorizes employers, groups of employers, volunteer fire departments, counties, regional associations of volunteer fire departments, municipalities, and other self-insured groups to contract for additional supplemental insurance that would pay workers’ compensation benefits above the statutory limits, including temporary total disability benefits for volunteer firefighters injured in the line of duty.
The bill also clarifies how self-insured employers and groups of employers operate under the workers’ compensation system. It addresses experience rating, discount limits, premium filing requirements, minimum initial funding for new trust self-insurers, investment of surplus trust funds, and procedures for handling insolvency or bankruptcy of self-insured groups. It further provides that certain records submitted under this section are confidential, while still allowing subpoena access in relevant workers’ compensation cases.
Impact
HB1191 would amend Missouri’s workers’ compensation statutes by creating explicit authority for supplemental workers’ compensation insurance for volunteer firefighters and by updating rules for self-insured employers and self-insured trusts. It would allow local governments and volunteer fire entities to use non-earmarked tax revenues, and permit self-insured volunteer fire departments and related entities to contribute toward premiums for the supplemental coverage. The bill also affects the Division of Workers’ Compensation’s oversight of self-insurance, insolvency procedures, premium/rating requirements, and confidentiality of records.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is generally supportive of volunteer firefighters and the stability of workers’ compensation self-insurance arrangements. The bill’s caption indicates a targeted policy change rather than a broad overhaul, and the text emphasizes added protection for first responders while preserving existing self-insurance structures. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no documented floor or committee opposition in the materials supplied.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are fiscal and administrative. Local governments may object to the use of county or municipal tax revenues for supplemental coverage, especially if those funds are not otherwise earmarked. Self-insured employers and groups could also scrutinize the bill’s requirements on premium filings, minimum contributions, investment restrictions, and insolvency procedures, since these provisions increase regulatory detail and may affect trust management. Another possible issue is the confidentiality provision, which limits public access to submitted records while preserving subpoena access in workers’ compensation litigation.