New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine's office said six workers' compensation bills intended to reform the state's current system are undergoing a legal study before he decides what action to take on them.
On Monday the legislature gave final approval to the package, which includes a measure providing tougher enforcement against businesses that fail to obtain workers' comp insurance.
"The package is currently undergoing a thorough review by counsel," said Jim Gardner, a spokesman for the governor. "The length of the review is contingent on the complexity of the bill."
State Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Wood-Ridge, the package's primary sponsor, said he believes the bills will be signed as a package sometime in July.
Many did not expect half of the package to be voted on until after lawmakers return from their summer break, said Richard Stokes, a lobbyist for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).
The six bills will "shore up the system," said Sen. Sarlo.
o S1913 allows judges to issue contempt orders and levy fines for disobeying any order of a judge or any regulation regarding workers' comp.
o S1914 strengthens enforcement against employers for failure to provide workers' comp coverage.
o S1915 compels any employer required by law to file an annual report to include proof of workers' comp coverage.
o S1916 requires injured workers get hearings for "emergent" care within ten days of filing a request.
o S1917 adds three new members to the New Jersey Compensation Insurance Rating and Inspection Bureau.
o S1918 requires insurance fraud prosecutors to join forces with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to investigate cases of failure to provide coverage.
"We are proud we could move six pieces of legislation so quickly," said Sen. Sarlo.
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