New Jersey Passes Workers’ Comp Reform Bills

New Jersey lawmakers passed several bills on Monday, June 23, that are intended to reform the state’s workers’ compensation system.

Among other things, the bills, introduced by state Senate Labor Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo, D-Wood Ridge, would make it a criminal offense for companies to neglect providing workers’ comp benefits.

The bills also would speed up hearings on certain medical claims and allow judges to pursue fines and contempt-of-court charges against insurers and attorneys that delay claims payments by dragging out court cases.

The legislation also would require the New Jersey Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau’s governing board to include labor and business representatives. The board is currently made up of insurers.

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine could not immediately be reached for comment on whether he would sign the legislation.

Filed by Roberto Ceniceros of Business Insurance, a sister publication of Workforce Management. To comment, e-mail editors@workforce.com.