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DelawareSB 145153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 19 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION PAYMENTS.

Sponsored By: Bryan Townsend (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Insurers fund more workers’ compensation costs

Workers’ compensation insurer assessments cover 100% of workers’ compensation office expenses, including the Industrial Accident Board. They also cover 100% of inspection and safety expenses, up from 66.6%. Self-insured employers still pay 4% of the premium payable, based on payroll reported for the preceding calendar year. That money goes to the Department of Labor’s Division of Industrial Affairs and becomes part of Delaware’s General Fund. Workers’ compensation fines are payable to Delaware and must be mailed to the same division. The Board assesses fines after notice and a hearing; fine amounts do not change. The law does not state the added assessment dollars or any effect on insurance premiums.

Workers get direct deposit and eligibility checks

Workers can receive total or partial disability benefits by check or direct deposit, without changes to benefit amounts. Direct-deposit forms must include an eligibility warning and be dated and signed by the claimant and insurer or self-insured employer. Employers must also obtain a signed agreement explaining benefit eligibility and job-status changes that affect benefits. It must include the claimant’s promise to follow eligibility rules, have a notarized or witnessed signature, and accompany the agreement filed for approval. Checks must carry a warning on the back; direct-deposit forms must carry the same warning. Accepting payment confirms legal eligibility, and false statements are punishable under state and federal law. An attorney’s role in negotiating a check is treated as confirmation that the attorney printed the required warning. Filed and approved compensation agreements with injured workers or their dependents are final and binding, subject to later modification under existing law. Deductible clauses are excluded from these agreement rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bryan Townsend

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Kimberly Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Larry Lambert

    Democratic • House

  • Edward S. Osienski

    Democratic • House

  • John "Jack" Walsh

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 58 • No: 2

House vote • 6/30/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/17/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 18 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    6/30/2025Governor

  2. Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 VACANT

    6/30/2025House

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Labor) in House with 10 On Its Merits

    6/25/2025House

  4. Assigned to Labor Committee in House

    6/18/2025House

  5. Passed By Senate. Votes: 18 YES 2 NO 1 ABSENT

    6/17/2025Senate

  6. Amendment SA 1 to SB 145 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

    6/17/2025Senate

  7. Reported Out of Committee (Labor) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits

    6/17/2025Senate

  8. Amendment SA 1 to SB 145 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    6/13/2025Senate

  9. Introduced and Assigned to Labor Committee in Senate

    5/14/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Current

    5/14/2025

    HTML

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