Committee hears bill on workers’ comp changes

HELENA — Lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on a bill that would require employees to disclose any pre-existing conditions that are “relevant to the essential function of the job.”

Under current law, employers must ask potential employees if they can do the job. Senate Bill 118, sponsored by Sen. Terry Gauthier, R-Helena would instead put the onus on employees to report their abilities to their employer.

An employee could also lose their workers compensation benefits if they misrepresent their needs.