Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Wednesday passed House Bill 419, sponsored by the House Labor and Commerce Committee. HB 419 updates and revises Alaska's Workers' Compensation law that was last extensively revised in 1988.

The bill was introduced at the request of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Ad Hoc Committee on Workers' Compensation, consisting of representatives from labor and management. This committee reviews workers' compensation laws and suggests necessary changes.

"The overall goal of HB 419 is to increase worker benefits, streamline the system, and provide the Department with more tools to manage the program," said Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), Chair of the House Labor and Commerce Committee. "HB 419 also provides employers and employees with a workers' compensation system that is fair to all.

"This benefit increase is the first in twelve years," Rokeberg said. "Because it is based on a calculation of Alaska's 'Average Annual Wages' it will be adjusted every year in the future."

HB 419 passed the Senate unanimously. Notice of reconsideration was filed.

Sponsor Statement for HB 419