Bills Propose ABC Test, Benefit Increase, Mandatory Mediation and New Penalties

Michigan lawmakers introduced a package of bills proposing to increase workers' compensation benefits, mandate mediation in certain circumstances, modify presumptions, create new penalties and increase those on the books. Another bill introduced last week would bring to Michigan the so-called "ABC test" for distinguishing between employees and contractors that's used by the U.S. Department of Labor and neighboring states, including Ohio and Indiana. HB 5177, by Rep. Joey Andrews, D-Saint Joseph, would declare that a worker is an independent contractor and not an employe...