House Deadlines Start to Choke Comp Bills

With three weeks to go before the end of the 80th Texas Legislature's regular session, time is running out for several workers' compensation initiatives, including proposed "carve-out" programs and discounts for employers who implement drug-testing programs. Chances also are dimming for legislation to change the way workers' compensation fee guidelines are calculated. The time crunch is particularly dire in the House of Representatives, which has produced most of the workers' compensation measures this session. The deadlines start today and mean "bills are dying hourly," according to...