Renton Bus Driver Charged in $50K Workers’ Comp Fraud Case
- A Renton bus driver was charged with first‑degree theft after allegedly collecting more than $50,000 in workers’ compensation benefits while working other jobs.
- The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries said he repeatedly reported he was too injured to work between April 2023 and March 2024.
- Investigators found he earned about $33,000 each from two employers during that period.
- He pleaded not guilty on Jan. 5 in King County Superior Court.
Maryland and New Jersey Propose Workers’ Comp Changes Based on Immigration Status
- Legislation in Maryland and New Jersey proposes changes to workers’ compensation based on immigration status.
- Maryland House Bill 1451 could make employers financially liable if they don’t verify work authorization via E-Verify.
- New Jersey Senate Bill 1521 aims to exclude undocumented immigrants from receiving workers’ compensation or temporary disability.
- These bills suggest using the compensation system for immigration enforcement.
Virginia Bill Seeks to Expand Workers’ Comp Eligibility for Fallen Law Enforcement
- A Virginia bill aims to broaden workers’ compensation and Line of Duty Act coverage for law enforcement, inspired by the case of Smyth County Deputy Hunter Reedy.
- Current regulations mandate physical contact or specific hazardous scenarios for eligibility, while the proposed bill would extend coverage to fatalities during any active law enforcement duties.
- The Reedy family’s initial claim was denied because the deputy died in a vehicle collision while responding to a call.
- The legislation, if enacted, would grant retroactive benefits to the family.