House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

May 25, 2005

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

House Passes Workers’ Comp Benefits for National Guard Soldiers

 

Rep. DelGobbo Sponsors Bill Supporting Soldiers Called Up By Governor

 HHARTFORD – State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo (R-70th, Naugatuck), has co-sponsored and voted for legislation to provide coverage under the state workers’ compensation law for injuries to members of the Connecticut National Guard called to active duty by the governor. The bill passed the House of Representatives today.

Under current law, state armed forces personnel, including Connecticut National Guard members, injured while on duty under state orders can file a claim in the Military Department under the authority of the adjutant general. When injured while they are on federal orders, Connecticut Guardsmen would receive federal compensation.

This bill repeals the Military Department's authority to consider claims, make or deny compensation awards, and set compensation amounts. It places state armed forces personnel under the state workers' compensation system when they are on state orders.

By law, "state armed forces personnel" is defined as the Connecticut National Guard, the state militia including the Marine Corps branch, and the organized militia, which includes the Governor's Foot Guards and the Governor's Horse Guards.

The bill requires that any member of the state armed forces who is under orders and is injured or contracts a disease when on duty or assembled for duty must receive benefits in accordance with the state Workers' Compensation Act. It applies to any injury or disease that causes temporary or permanent disability that prevents the person from performing his usual duties or occupation.

“This bill will provide a greater assurance to members of the Connecticut National Guard, including its organized state militia units, that if they are injured in the discharge of duties ordered by the Governor, they will be covered under the state worker’s compensation system,” said Rep. DelGobbo.

The bill will now go to the state Senate for debate, and, if the Senate approves, to the governor to be signed into law.