HB2488

HB2488 authorizes the Division of Workers’ Compensation to conduct a contested case hearing by videoconference when either the division finds good cause or the parties mutually agree. These are alternative grounds: agreement by every party is not required when the division makes the good-cause determination. The statute says the division “may” use video; it does not let one party automatically demand it or make every hearing remote. Final law, Section 1.

The new authority applies notwithstanding the existing location rule, which generally places a contested case hearing within 75 miles of the claimant’s residence at the time of injury unless the division finds good cause for another location. It is specific to contested case hearings. The separate law already allowed telephone or video benefit review conferences, which are a different stage of the dispute process. HB2488 does not itself authorize telephone-only contested case hearings or change what issues may be decided. Existing proceedings rule; contested-hearing scope; final law.

The workers’ compensation commissioner must adopt implementation rules as soon as practicable. The act took effect June 20, 2025 and applies to hearings requested on or after that date. Earlier hearing requests remain governed by the prior law, even if the hearing occurs later. The trigger is the request date, not the date of the worker’s injury. Final law, Sections 2–4; official history.