Oklahoma Workers’ Comp Reform to Go Before Committee

A Republican proposal to shift Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation system from a court system to an administrative system is scheduled to be heard in a House committee.

The bill sponsored by Republican House Speaker T.W. Shannon and GOP Senate President Pro Gem Brian Bingman is to be heard Tuesday by the House Judiciary Committee today.

Republicans say the court system has pushed Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation costs higher than almost every other state. Shannon and Bingman have said it’s one of their highest legislative priorities

The bill has already passed the Senate.

Former commerce secretary and workers’ compensation attorney Bob Burke has said the state hasn’t given past reform efforts enough time to take effect.