Bill In Montana May Deny Workers' Compensation Insurance For Illegal Immigrants

Feb 15
14:32

2011

Kathryn Bowen

Kathryn Bowen

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Workers' compensation insurance payouts may be denied to illegal immigrants if Montana's bill is passed. Employment practices liability and workers' comp are two policies needed by businesses with employees.

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Montana has taken one step closer to being the first state in the United States to deny worker's compensation insurance benefits to illegal immigrants. According to a report from Watchdog.org,Bill In Montana May Deny Workers' Compensation Insurance For Illegal Immigrants Articles the state passed a bill through the House that would approve the groundbreaking measure. The bill is now going before the Senate. After the Senate, only the governor stands in the way of the measure becoming law.

Montana's Workers' Compensation Insurance Highest In The United States

This is one of several bills that are being discussed in the state legislature that has to do with workers' compensation insurance. The primary concern facing leaders is that Montana has the highest worker's comp rates in the nation. Combined with employment practices liability coverage and other business policies that are needed, businesses are looking at other states to stay afloat. The state's House and Senate want to develop an environment that provides the necessary coverage for employees injured on the job, while at the same time, making Montana a business-friendly state.

Keeping Payments In The State

The primary reason that the bill was introduced was because illegal immigrants are able to leave the country and still receive benefits with the current laws in place. The workers' compensation insurance payments are forwarded to their new location. As a result, the money is not only leaving Montana, but also the United States. Furthering the cause of the bill is the fact that if the person receiving benefits is located in another country it is far more difficult to confirm the current health and ability of the person. Because of this the individual may receive benefits even though they are capable of performing work. The law would prevent this circumstance from occurring.

Other Bills Being Discussed To Resolve The High Rates

There are several other bills currently in the house addressing workers' compensation insurance. One of those bills is House Bill 87which looks to revise the current laws in place. A major change in that bill adjusts the coverage available for a permanent partial disability. Employers can now offer a job, in writing, that is greater or equal to the employee's previous position, as long as the employee is physically capable. If the employee turns it down, they would no longer be eligible for disability benefits. The revision also would remove coverage for those that have been incarcerated.

Get More Information About Available Coverage Throughout The United States

The most important thing for businesses to do is to keep up with the workers' compensation insurance laws within their state. These changes can help to alter the landscape of necessary coverage. Every company faces risks from doing business, especially from those that actually work for the organization. As a result workers' comp and employment practices liability policies have become a necessary part of doing business. To ensure that you are getting the right coverage for your business, you should connect with an expert. The call could save you more than just money; it could save your business as well.