Louisiana Governor Vetoes Workers’ Comp Claim Filing Bill

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has vetoed a bill that would expand the time for filing a workers’ compensation claim from two to three years.

Jindal issued the veto of the bill by Alexandria Rep. Chris Roy on July 6.

Supporters of the proposal said it would help workers with injuries that may be work-related but may not be diagnosed quickly.

Critics said the change could increase fraudulent claims and lawsuits and could lead to higher worker’s compensation rates for businesses. In his veto letter, the governor cited those concerns.

The House had approved the bill on a 79-14 vote and the Senate 21-7.

House Bill 658 can be found at www.legis.state.la.us