STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 53rd Legislature (2012)

SENATE BILL 1459	By:	Brecheen

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to workers’ compensation; stating legislative intent; providing for noncodification; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     NEW LAW     A new section of law not to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:
It is the intent of the Legislature to study the reforms that have been implemented in the workers’ compensation system in the state of Oregon. The Oregon Legislature has passed a series of reforms starting in 1990 that have caused the workers’ compensation insurance premium rates to go from the sixth highest in the nation in 1986 to the forty-second highest in 2006, thus saving Oregon employers Fourteen Billion Five Hundred Million Dollars ($14,500,000,000.00) since 1990.  Additionally, Oregon workplace injury and illness rates have decreased by fifty percent (50%), and permanent disability benefits have increased between six hundred percent (600%) and eight hundred percent (800%).  Such reforms should be studied to determine appropriate modifications to the workers’ compensation system in this state to benefit Oklahoma businesses, employers and employees.
SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2012.

53-2-2224	TEK	1/18/2012 4:20:37 PM