Bill Would Permit Direct Deposit of Benefits

The state Senate has passed a bill that would authorize the payment of workers’ compensation benefits by direct deposit. Senate Bill 84 passed by a 14-9 vote last week along Republican Party lines nearly a year after it was introduced. An amendment deleted the requirement that an employer that pays wages by electronic fund transfer offer employees the option of being paid by check, and permits an employer to pay wages with a payroll card after offering the direct deposit option. Because of the amendment, Democratic sponsors voted against the bill. Payment would be required to be...