Bill
HB 574
House Bill 574 exempts maritime workers covered by federal compensation laws from Georgia's workers' compensation, clarifying legal obligations for employers and employees.
Bill Number: HB 574
Title: Labor and Industrial Relations; Applicability of Workers' Compensation to Employers and Employees; Provisions
Status: House Second Readers
Introduced: February 21, 2025
Classification: Bill
House Bill 574 aims to amend the existing workers' compensation laws in Georgia by clarifying the applicability of these laws to certain employees. Specifically, the bill seeks to exclude employees who are covered under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act from the state's workers' compensation provisions.
Amendment to Code Section 34-9-2:
The bill proposes to add a new subsection (g) to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, stating:
"This chapter shall not apply to employees of an employer covered by and providing coverage under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 901, et seq., as amended, and its extensions."
Repeal of Conflicting Laws:
The bill includes a provision to repeal any laws or parts of laws that conflict with this new amendment.
Affected Parties:
The primary impact of this bill will be on employers and employees in Georgia who are currently covered under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. This includes workers involved in maritime activities, such as those working on docks or in shipyards.
Legal Clarity:
By explicitly stating that these employees are not subject to Georgia's workers' compensation laws, the bill aims to provide legal clarity and reduce potential conflicts between state and federal regulations.
House Bill 574 seeks to streamline the relationship between state and federal workers' compensation laws by exempting certain maritime employees from state coverage. This legislative change is intended to clarify the legal framework for employers and employees operating under federal guidelines, ensuring compliance and reducing ambiguity in workers' compensation matters.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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