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HB 6409

AN ACT CONCERNING UNDUE DELAY IN WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Biggins and 9 co-sponsors

HB 6409 aims to curb undue delays in workers' compensation claims, speeding decisions and benefits for injured workers, with rules for timely notice and possible penalties.

REF. BY HOUSE TO COMMITTEE ON Insurance and Real Estate
#claims #employees #employers #hearings #notices #workers'compensation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6409

Summary — HB 6409: "An Act Concerning Undue Delay in Workers' Compensation Claims"

Overview

HB 6409, introduced January 23, 2025, is titled "An Act Concerning Undue Delay in Workers' Compensation Claims." The bill is intended to address delays in the handling, processing, or adjudication of workers' compensation claims. As of April 22, 2025 the bill was referred by the House to the Committee on Insurance and Real Estate. The full bill text was not provided with the materials supplied; this summary therefore combines the available procedural record with a focused description of the bill’s apparent purpose and the likely types of provisions such legislation commonly contains.

Purpose / Intent

The bill’s stated intent (as indicated by its title) is to reduce or eliminate "undue delay" in workers’ compensation claims. That goal typically seeks to ensure timely decisions on claims, timely provision of benefits, clearer notice and communication requirements, and remedies or penalties where delays are unreasonable.

Known procedural status and timeline

  • Introduced: January 23, 2025 (referred to Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees)
  • Public hearing(s): February 11 (reserved) and February 14, 2025
  • Committee actions: Vote to draft (March 6); Drafted by committee (March 18); Filed with LCO (March 20); Joint Favorable report (March 20)
  • Fiscal/legal review: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis (March 31; reported by April 7)
  • House actions: Favorable report out of LCO and tabled for House calendar (April 7; House Calendar No. 340, File No. 551)
  • Referred to Committee on Insurance and Real Estate: April 22, 2025

Key provisions (noted or commonly associated)

The bill’s exact statutory language is not included in the materials provided. Bills addressing "undue delay" in workers’ compensation commonly include one or more of the following elements:
- A statutory definition of “undue delay” or specific timelines for insurer/employer action (e.g., time limits for claim acknowledgments, medical referrals, benefit payments, or dispute resolution).
- Requirements for prompt written notice to claimants when claims are delayed or denied, including reasons for delay.
- Administrative or civil remedies for claimants (interest on late payments, expedited hearings, attorney’s fees, or penalties for noncompliance).
- Procedures to expedite hearings or appeals where delay is alleged.
- Reporting or monitoring requirements for insurers or the workers’ compensation commission to track timeliness.

Who would be affected

  • Employees/claimants seeking workers’ compensation benefits — potentially faster decisions and improved access to remedies when delays occur.
  • Employers and commercial insurers — possible new procedural obligations, reporting duties, or exposure to penalties.
  • Workers’ compensation administrative bodies and courts — potential adjustments in case management and increased workload for expedited processes.
  • Legal representatives and medical providers may experience changes in timelines and documentation standards.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Benefits: Faster resolution of claims; reduced hardship for injured workers; clearer expectations for insurers and employers.
  • Costs/concerns: Administrative costs to insurers or employers to comply; potential increase in formal disputes or claims for penalties; need for clear definitions to avoid litigation over what constitutes “undue” delay.
  • Fiscal effects: The Office of Fiscal Analysis was referred; any budgetary impact would depend on the bill’s specific remedies, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms.

Note: For precise legal effect, remedies, timelines, and statutory amendments proposed, consult the bill’s enacted text or the full bill draft filed with the Legislative Commissioners’ Office (LCO) and Joint Committee reports.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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