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HD 218

An Act relative to fairness in worker’s compensation disfigurement benefits

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Hendricks

The bill seeks fair, consistent disfigurement benefits in workers’ compensation by clarifying eligibility, measurement, and benefit levels.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 218

Summary of HD 218 — An Act relative to fairness in worker’s compensation disfigurement benefits

Overview

HD 218, titled “An Act relative to fairness in worker’s compensation disfigurement benefits,” is a proposed bill introduced on November 29, 2025. The provided information does not include the bill’s current status or the full text, so the exact provisions are not specified here. Based on the title, the bill aims to address fairness concerns related to disfigurement benefits within the state workers’ compensation system.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is positioned to improve fairness and consistency in how disfigurement benefits are determined and awarded to workers who suffer permanent disfigurement as a result of work-related injuries.
  • The intended effect is likely to reduce disparities or ambiguities in eligibility, measurement, and benefit amounts, ensuring more predictable outcomes for injured workers and employers/insurers.

Key provisions (not yet available in the provided text)

Because the actual language is not provided, the following are typical areas such a bill might address. The list is not a statement of what HD 218 contains, but a framework of topics commonly considered in disfigurement benefit reform:
- Definitions and measurement standards for disfigurement (e.g., criteria, scales, or schedules used to assess severity).
- Eligibility criteria and scope (which injuries or conditions qualify for disfigurement benefits and to what extent).
- Benefit calculation (amounts, duration, potential caps or step-downs, and adjustments for inflation).
- Medical evidence and appraisal requirements (e.g., who can determine severity, required medical documentation).
- Consistency and fairness improvements (reducing disparities across demographics or occupation types).
- Administrative processes (clarified procedures for filing, review, and appeals; timelines).
- Transitional provisions (how the bill would apply to existing claims and any phasing in of new rules).
- Fiscal impact and funding (cost implications for the workers’ compensation program, employers, or insurance carriers).

Affected parties

  • Injured workers who experience permanent disfigurement resulting from work-related injuries.
  • Employers and workers’ compensation insurers (premium and payout considerations).
  • Medical professionals and workers’ compensation administrative bodies involved in evaluating and awarding disfigurement benefits.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: November 29, 2025.
  • Status: Not specified in the available information. As a proposed bill, it would typically follow the standard path through committees, hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the relevant legislative chamber, with a fiscal note and public comment opportunities.
  • To review the full text and current status, consult the state legislature’s official website or legislative tracking service for HD 218.

Next steps for readers

  • Obtain the full bill text to review exact provisions, definitions, and effective dates.
  • Monitor committee hearings and amendments to understand changes from introduction.
  • Consider the fiscal impact and any transitional rules on existing claims.

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

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