Government Affairs Weekly Report - Week 8: Feb. 27-Mar. 2, 2017

by CBI Lobbyist Jeff Boeyink - Partner, LS2 Group
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​Overview / Major Events

• First Funnel Arrives. 
• Action still pending on dozens of bills on at the time of publication.

 
Workers Compensation Reform Legislation On the Move
This week the House and Senate brought forward companion bills to provide the most comprehensive reform of the Workers Comp (WC) system in Iowa in decades. Designed to rebalance a system that has become progressively anti-employer in its application, HSB 169 and SSB 1170 both cleared subcommittee and were expected to clear full Commerce Committee votes in both Chambers by the end of this week.
 
Expect the House and Senate to bring the bills to their respective floors next week in an attempt to complete work by March 9 or March 10.
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Why is WC Reform Needed?

• In 10 years, Iowa’s ranking in the cost of premiums has gone from fifth lowest in 2006 to 24th highest in total premiums for workers’ compensation insurance according to the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Premium Rate Ranking.
• Recent legal decisions have jeopardized Iowa’s position as an example to others states on workers’ compensation.
• Although no major workers’ compensation legislation has recently been passed to negatively impact Iowa employers, administrative and legal decisions are putting Iowa at a disadvantage to other states in the Midwest and nationwide.

Total benefits in Iowa increased 15% from 2010-2014, making Iowa’s the seventh highest increase in the country.

What Does the WC Reform Do?

• Seeks to bring Iowa’s system in back into balance while still providing generous benefits to workers
• Provides safeguards for workers against aggressive plaintiff attorneys
• Seeks to provide benefits to an injured worker for an injury that is caused by work
• Seeks to align with surrounding states on benefits for scheduled injuries
• Correct recent court decisions and provide clarification to the code
• Stop double-dipping and abuse of workers’ compensation benefits
• Aligns interest rates on workers’ compensation judgments with all other types of judgments
• Ensures American Medical Association guidelines, not outside personal opinions, are used when determining impairment ratings
• Places an emphasis on keeping employees safe at work and minimizing workplace accidents

 
Voter ID for Elections Clears House Committee
The House State Government Committee worked late into the night on Tuesday and passed HSB 93, a measure to require voters present an official voter identification card, an Iowa driver’s license, an Iowa non-operator’s identification card, a United States Passport, or a United States military or veterans identification card in order to receive a ballot.
 
Recent polling by the Des Moines Register shows nearly 70% of Iowans support requiring the use of official identification in order to participate in elections.