WORKERS' COMPENSATION

The Division of Workers' Compensation is allowed to determine the manner in which an application is made for hearings on compensation disputes.

The act allows documents relating to the outcome of hearings and notices to be sent by electronic means to the parties in dispute and the employer's insurer when the employee has representation.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Currently, during periods of retraining, unemployment claimants are required to submit a written certification with each claim certifying that they are in a retraining. This act requires that the certification be submitted quarterly.

A provision requiring an employer's contribution rate to include a temporary debt indebtedness is repealed.

Currently, employers may be assessed a credit instrument and financing agreement repayment surcharge when the unemployment compensation fund uses moneys from the proceeds of such credit instruments or moneys advanced under financial agreements. This act requires over-collected amounts to be deposited into the unemployment insurance trust fund and credited to the employer's experience account.

The act requires employers with 50 or more workers to report wage information to the division in an electronic format instead of on magnetic tape or diskette.

The division is required to give notice to employers of estimated payments and delinquent contributions by registered or certified mail to the last known address of the employer. Personal service to the last known principal place of business address is repealed.

The act allows the division to file a lien on delinquent payments to attach to the employer's real or personal property.

Currently, state and federal officials and agencies may receive disclosures of otherwise confidential material to the extent required by federal law. This act allows disclosures to the extent needed to fulfill its official duties.

CHRIS HOGERTY