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IWC's bills failed in the 2003 session. Much of the blame falls squarely on "appointed" Management-Labor Advisory Committee members whose majority either voted against or refused to hear the bills.

Former Governor Kitzhaber disbanded the former MLAC and appointed its present members under the guise that they check the system's "fairness thermostat." At the time, a pre-2000 and current member said MLAC "broke down." Please contact Governor Kulongoski to share your opinion of the current MLAC. Also contact your legislators at 1-800-332-2313 or use a form at http://www.capitolconnect.com/oregon/.

It's our hope that all who read this immediately become actively involved in our efforts as that will bring suceess in the 2005 legislative session. Contact us, along with your senator, representative, television and radio stations, and newspapers.


   
View
   
View the current status by inserting bill numbers listed below
View 2003 bills related to workers' compensation
Shows what happened to each measure on its way through the legislative process
Learn when committees will be meeting on worker's comp and workplace safety bills
View a chart that takes you through the process
Shows what happened to each measure on its way through the legislative process

Senate Bills
.pdf
.htm
A Bill Relating to:   Status
Click here   Takes you to the Oregon Legislative Assembly Site Senate Bill 802—Disability Benefits/Notification Process/Reconsideration Proceedings    
6
Click here   Takes you to the Oregon Legislative Assembly Site Senate Bill 812—Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) and Attending Physicians    
6
Click here   Takes you to the Oregon Legislative Assembly Site Senate Bill 654—Increased Vocational Retraining    
6

1 Awaiting introduction.
2   Introduced and has had first reading. Referred to Senate President Courtney for approval [not guaranteed] and to be assigned to a Committee.
3   Awaiting acceptance by Senate Business & Labor Committee Chair Sen. David Nelson. Contact the Committee.
4   Awaiting approval by MLAC.
5   Although MLAC was told of the bill, they ignored it. Committee Chair David Nelson (R-Pendleton) used MLAC's non-approval to refuse hearings even though no law exists mandating MLAC approval.
6   The majority of governor appointed MLAC members voted against the bill. They did appoint a subcommittee during the interim to study the issue. They also directed the Workers' Compensation Division to survey injured workers and others about the exams. Please contact the governor and your senator. Ask why MLAC has so much power and demand a change in members or concrete subcommittee action.
11/29/04 Update: Only two members agreed to join the committee and in 18 months no meeting has been held.
11/29/04 Update: The survey results verified examiner dishonesty and cruel treatment against the injured. Please take our survey so we can further document abuses.


The first three bills below have Senate counterparts, though they differ in some way.

House Bills
.pdf
.htm
A Bill Relating to: Status
Click here   Takes you to the Oregon Legislative Assembly Site House Bill 3538—Disability Benefits/Notification Process/Reconsideration Proceedings  
5
Click here   Takes you to the Oregon Legislative Assembly Site House Bill 3591—Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) and Attending Physicians  
5
Click here   Takes you to the Oregon Legislative Assembly Site House Bill 3589—Increased Vocational Retraining  
5
Click here   Takes you to the Oregon Legislative Assembly Site House Bill 3493—Public Hearings on Workers' Comp Across Oregon in Late 2003 and Throughout 2004  
5
Click here   Takes you to the Oregon Legislative Assembly Site House Bill 3592—Discrimination and Other Illegal Practices Directed Against Injured Workers [an example]  
5

1 Awaiting introduction.
2   Introduced and has had first reading. Referred to House Speaker Minnis for approval and to be assigned to a Committee.
3   Awaiting acceptance by House Business, Labor & Consumer Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Betsy Close. Contact House Speaker Karen Minnis to urge committee assignment.
4   Awaiting approval by MLAC.
5   Although MLAC was told of the bill, they ignored it. Committee Chair Betsy Close (R-Albany) used MLAC's non-approval to refuse hearings even though no law exists mandating MLAC approval.
6   The majority of governor appointed MLAC members voted against the bill. They did appoint a subcommittee during the interim to study the issue. Please contact the governor and your representative. Ask why MLAC has so much power and demand a change in members or concrete subcommittee action.

 

The Injured Worker Coalition (IWC) is workers and their families-unionized and otherwise--who have suffered at the hands of the current workers' compensation system, who support injured workers and their families, and who believe we are one injury away from losing all for which we have spent our lives working. We are advocates for occupational safety and health, as well.

IWC Home | 2003 Bills | Briefing Paper | Senate | House | IWA Home

Questionnaire Sponsored by the Injured Worker Coalition
Published at www.injuredworker.org