Rep. Kieffer Looks to Streamline Worker’s Comp Process

As the Legislature begins to take a recess this week, state Rep. Andrea Kieffer says there will still be plenty of work behind the scenes.

“It’s not like we’re taking off to Hawaii,” she said.

Kieffer, a Woodbury Republican, reported Monday that a bill she’s authored—aimed at shortening the court process for worker’s compensation claims (HF1362)—recently got it’s second hearing and is headed to the Ways and Means Committee.

The bill would require “dispute resolution” in such cases to 180 days; the average now in Minnesota is 220 days, she said.

There is also a provision in the bill that would allow temporary judges to oversee those cases without retraining, Kieffer said. Most would be retired judges who have had experience with worker’s comp claims.

“Hopefully, it will help the injured worker not have to wait so long for the court to make a decision,” she said. “And the Senate companion is moving along nicely, as well.”

Tyler’s Law

There was not much new to report about , the bill that would require driver’s education courses to discuss the dangers of carbon monoxide poisioning and include a question on the permit test.

Kieffer said the bill has strong bipartisan support. “I have a good feeling about it,” she said.

The Senate version of the legislation is moving as a stand-alone bill, Kieffer said, and she may go that route if the measure is not included in the House omnibus transportation bill. She said there is a no-cost option to enact the legislation.