Administrative System, Alternative Benefit Bill Sent to Senate

By Bill Kidd, Central Bureau ChiefAn Oklahoma Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill that would switch the state’s court-based workers’ compensation system to an administrative system and also allow employers to offer alternative benefit plans for injured employees.Senate Bill 1062, a 260-page reform proposal by Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, would also reduce some benefits by capping temporary total disability awards at 70% of the employee's average weekly wage, instead of 100%.The Senate Judiciary Committee approved SB 1062 on an 8-2 vote during a meetin...