Includes domestic partners in certain provisions concerning disability benefits and defines the term domestic partner

1 Co-sponsor

• Antoine M. Thompson

Title of bill

An act to amend the workers' compensation law, in relation to making certain provisions of the disability benefits law applicable to domestic partner and defining the term "domestic partner"

Purpose or general idea of bill

Includes domestic partners in certain provisions concerning disability benefits and defines the term domestic partner.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one of the bill defines a domestic partner to be at least eighteen years of age and is dependent upon the employee for support as shown by a nexus of factors; or has registered as a domestic partner in any state, or local registry. Section two includes the term domestic partner for purposes of coverage. Section three of the bill establishes survivor benefits for eligible domestic partners.

Justification

With the loss of loved ones comes the burden of legal and financial issues such as obtaining survivors rightful benefits under state law. The tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001 exemplified the significance of loss and injury for many families, including those composed of domestic partners. Unfortunately, these families were not always recognized in the legal context. State disability law affords certain benefits to the spouse survivors of covered employees, but does not extend these benefits to surviving domestic partners. This bill would extend survivor benefits available under the state disability law, as administered by the workers' compensation board, to domestic partners.

Prior legislative history

A.9555 of 2001-02: Third Reading; A.8112 of 2003-04: Referred to labor; A.3355 of 2005-06: Referred to labor; A.5845 of 2007-08: Referred to labor

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

Effective date

Immediate, and shall be deemed in full effect on September 11, 2001; provided however, that nothing contained in this act shall operate to impair any existing contract, including, but not limited to, any disability. benefits insurance contracts.