Bob Allen Republican Berks County Schuylkill County Occupation: Legislator Education: Pottsville High School; Lycoming College, B.A., Business Administration, 1968; Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, 1969 Member of the House: 1989 to date Standing Committee Assignments: • Agriculture and Rural Affairs • Committee on Committees • Labor Relations • (Chairman) Professional Licensure • Rules Personal History: Married to Margaret L. Contact Information: Hon. Bob Allen 11 Westwood Center Pottsville, PA 17901 (570) 622-6629 Hon. Bob Allen Room 115 Ryan Office Bldg. Harrisburg, PA 17120 (717) 783-5293 E-Mail: ballen@pahousegop.com

Workers' Compensation Reform Bill Advances Measure aims to reduce litigation costs associated with WC claims Rep. Bob Allen By: Rep. Bob Allen (R-Schuylkill, Berks) A bill aimed at reforming Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation system has been approved by the House Labor Relations Committee and is on its way to the full House for consideration. The reforms are aimed at reducing litigation costs and streamlining the process to benefit both employees and employers in the Commonwealth. As Chairman of the House Labor Relations Committee, I believe workers' compensation reforms are essential to our ongoing efforts to improve Pennsylvania's economic competitiveness. As we strive to retain existing jobs and create new opportunities for workers in the Commonwealth, we must do all we can to make sure Pennsylvania is on equal footing with other states. The legislation was developed in response to a Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) review of Pennsylvania's workers' compensation laws which found that litigation costs associated with workers' comp claims here were higher than in other states. To work on the legislation, I brought together representatives of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. The proposed changes include: Establishing resolution courts in each district that are designed to consider compromise and release agreements more quickly. There is no statutory timeframe in current law, which often results in increased costs to insurers. Requiring workers' compensation judges to establish a mandatory trial schedule to be attended by all parties to help prevent delays and higher litigation costs. Requiring mandatory mediation in an effort to avoid costly litigation. Mediation is currently not required for workers' compensation cases in Pennsylvania; the LBFC report recommended as a way to force parties to discuss issues before a judge trained in mediation. Restructuring the workers' compensation appeals board by establishing a code of ethics for board members and a more streamlined process for final appeal decisions. Establishing an Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund to provide workers' compensation benefits to injured workers whose employers did not carry the required coverage. HB2738 has 65 cosponsors and now goes to the full House for consideration. If you would like more information, please contact my Harrisburg office at (717) 783-5293. ### CapNews Guest Speaker: Archives Back to CapNews