WORKER'S COMPENSATION:  PRO ATHLETES

House Bill 6640

Sponsor:  Rep. David Robertson

Committee:  Employment Relations, Training, and Safety

Complete to 11-27-06

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6640 AS INTRODUCED 11-14-06

The Worker's Disability Compensation Act currently allows a person who suffers an injury arising out of and in the course of employment as a professional athlete to receive weekly benefits only when the person's average weekly wages in all employments at the time of application for benefits and thereafter are less than 200 percent of the state average weekly wage.  The bill would replace the language in italics with "at the date of injury." 

Also under the bill, a person who suffers an injury arising out of and in the course of employment as a professional athlete would be presumed not to have a loss of earnings or earning capacity as a result of a compensable injury or disease during the off-season when the sport is not played.  The presumption could be rebutted only by a preponderance of the evidence showing the person suffered a loss of earning capacity and wage loss in all off-season employment within the employee's qualifications, training, and experience.

MCL 418.360

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact on the State of Michigan or its local units of government

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Richard Child

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.