Following the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session, the Industrial Commission will implement changes to Idaho Code with an effective date of July 1, 2025, to create a more effective and efficient workers’ compensation system.

These changes include:

• Notice of Hearing Idaho Code § 72-713: This legislation eliminates the certified mail requirement for attorneys and allows notifications of workers’ compensation hearings to be sent via email. Individuals without attorney representation will receive hearing notices through certified mail and have the option to choose electronic notification.
• Funeral Benefits Idaho Code § 72-436: This legislation raised the burial allowance for fatalities occurring during employment from $6,000 to $10,000, eliminated the geographic restriction on body transport, and clarified that the burial allowance is inclusive of transportation costs.
• Liability for Failure to Secure Workers’ Compensation Idaho Code § 72-319: This legislation clarifies the liability of limited liability company (LLC) members for failing to secure compensation. It specifies that LLC members may be held accountable if their company does not provide workers' compensation insurance or comply with the applicable regulations.
• Worker’s Comp, Definition Idaho Code § 72-212: This legislation moved the definition of “family member” from Idaho Code §72-212(5) to the definitions section in Idaho Code §72-102(21), enabling the Commission to consistently apply this definition to Idaho Code § 72-212.

To ensure these statutory changes create a more effective and efficient workers’ compensation system, the Industrial Commission collaborated with its Advisory Committee on Workers’ Compensation, industry stakeholders, partners representing employers and employees across the state, and legislators to gather valuable feedback on these changes.

“I feel proud and grateful that the Industrial Commission’s legislation promoted practical improvements to the administration of Idaho workers’ compensation laws, and received strong support from our stakeholders and advisory committee,” said Commission Chair Claire Sharp. “I also want to recognize legislators who were generous with their time and support, including Senator Foreman, District 6; Senator Nichols, District 10; Senator Cook, District 32; Senator Ruchti, District 29; Representative Holtzclaw, District 20; Representative Skaug, District 12; and Representative Bruce, District 23. I’m confident the Industrial Commission will apply this collaborative approach to the upcoming session.”

If you have questions about these code changes, please contact Amy Berg at (208) 334-6013 or amy.berg@iic.idaho.gov.