This week, as part of my official duties as President Pro Tem of the Senate, I signed and sent to the governor a bill that would revive the state’s Second Injury Fund and improve our Workers’ Compensation system. Senate Bill 1 was one of the Senate’s biggest priorities for this legislative session. This bill will create a more competitive climate for job creators and encourage economic growth while resolving issues within the now insolvent Second Injury Fund.

In my opening statements in January, I said I wanted to pass policies that would grow the economy. Senate Bill 1 will not only protect injured workers who are not receiving compensation, but it also limits the liability exposure for Missouri businesses by providing for more stability in the Workers’ Compensation system. This legislation will help keep companies and jobs in our state.

The Second Injury Fund dates back to World War II. Lawmakers who created the fund wanted to assist injured workers in situations where a work-related injury, combined with a prior injury, created an increased level of combined disability. The purpose of the fund is, in part, to encourage businesses to hire workers who might have an existing disability, and to provide both the employer and employee with a safety net in case a future injury results in total disability. 

Currently, the fund is nearly bankrupt with far more claims from injured workers than it can hope to pay, so this session the General Assembly took bold action to help alleviate these funding issues. In addition to shoring up the fund, Senate Bill 1 also makes it clear that occupational diseases are exclusively covered under the Workers’ Compensation system. This change will provide predictability for Missouri employers who might otherwise be faced with expensive lawsuits. It also provides a dramatically increased payout within the system for those with certain occupational diseases.

We had a serious commitment this legislative session to get this bill to the governor’s desk. We realize we need to take care of Missourians who have the most critical needs and to restore stability to our state’s business environment. The bill now only requires the governor’s signature to become law.

I always appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about the topics discussed above, or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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