Bad-Faith Claims Handling, Benefit Levels Subject of Work Comp Bills

A Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill in the Mississippi Legislature that would give the Workers' Compensation Commission exclusive jurisdiction over claims for alleged bad-faith claims handling, and intentional torts by employers and workers' compensation insurance carriers. Democratic legislators, in the meantime, have introduced several bills to increase or expand workers' compensation benefits. Republicans, however, hold a 72-48 majority in the House of Representatives and a 32-20 majority in the Senate. Gov. Phil Bryant is also a Republican. House Bill 186, by Mark...