Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 953

Bill Title: Workers' Compensation - Death Benefits - Dependency

Bill Sponsor(s): Sens. Exum, et al

Subject: Workers' Compensation

Committee: FIN

Bill Summary: This bill would have eliminated the distinction between partial and total dependency. The bill would have put a 12 year cap on death benefits (except for disabled spouses and kids), and tied the amount of weekly benefits to the relative earnings of the deceased compared to the "family" earnings.

History: Currently, totally dependent spouses get lifetime benefits of 2/3 of average weekly wage. Total dependents other than kids and spouses (i.e., live-in companions) get just $45,000. If there are no total dependents, any and all partial dependents share $75,000 total. In 2010 SB 953 pased second reading in the Senate; however, it was recommitted to the Senate Finance Committee, where it died. The companion bill, HB 1318 passed the House; However, it died in the Senate Finance Committee without a vote.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: In the Summer of 2009 a Task Force was established to address the distinction between death benefits for total and partial dependents. This bill was in great part a result of that task force. The bill attempted to balance the payout to all dependents by establishing a cap and developing a formula tied to the weekly benefit amount of the deceased. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber supported this bill.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.