House Continues Debate on BWC Budget Bill

This week, the House Insurance Committee passed the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) budget bill, House Bill 80, out of committee without making changes to the original language.

It was widely speculated the committee would accept a substitute version of the legislation. Instead, the bill was quickly passed and referred to the House Finance Committee, where Administrator Stephanie McCloud gave testimony on Thursday.

A sub bill is expected next week. Rumors are swirling around the Statehouse that the new version of HB 80 may contain provisions to provide PTSD coverage for first responders who do not suffer an accompanying physical injury. The OMA and other business organizations have long advocated against any such change, and this week sent a letter to the Speaker urging the House to keep any new PTSD provisions out of the bill. 5/23/2019