House Passes Bill to Increase TIBs for Low Wage Earners

The House has considered and passed SB 901, by Sen Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler), on May 5, 2015 without amendment. The bill has previously passed the Senate. This is the first workers’ compensation bill to pass both chambers of the 84th Legislature. It will now be sent to the Governor for his signature.

The bill raises the low-wage-earner threshold for increased TIBs benefits from $8.50 per hour to $10.00 per hour. Employees who meet that criteria are entitled to 75% of their AWW for up to the first 26 weeks of their disability.

The amendment takes effect September 1, 2015. It applies to a claim for TIBs based on an injury date that occurs on or after September 1, 2015. A claim based on a compensable injury that occurs before that date is governed by the law in effect on the date the compensable injury occurred, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

This bill represents the only pre-session legislative recommendation that was made by Jessica Corna, Public Counsel at the Office of Injured Employee Counsel.