Bill Caption

Relating to the enforcement of certain administrative penalties by the Texas Division of Workers' Compensation.

Fiscal Notes

From the Legislative Budget Board: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 1895 would amend the Labor Code to require the Commissioner of Insurance when assessing a workers’ compensation related administrative penalty to consider whether the violation has a negative impact on the delivery of benefits to an injured worker and the history of compliance with electronic data interchange requirements. The commissioner would also be required to communicate with a person information about the relevant statute or rule violated, the conduct that gave rise to the violation, and the factors considered in determining the penalty.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would support our limited government principle by requiring the Texas Workforce Commission to consider the consequences of enforcement action when considering appropriate penalties and would also require them to provide detailed information to the offender about the penalty and its basis. For these reasons, we support SB 1895.