121st Maine Legislature
		Office of Fiscal and Program Review
		LD 943
		An Act to Discourage Abuse and Fraud under the Workers' Compensation Laws
		LR 1066(01)
		Fiscal Note for Original Bill
		Sponsor: Rep. Suslovic of Portland
		Committee: Labor
		Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Undetermined current biennium cost increase - All Funds
Potential current biennium revenue increase - General Fund
					Projections	Projections
			2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07
Appropriations/Allocations
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$83,033	$112,124	$117,730	$123,617
Revenue
	Other Special Revenue Funds		$83,033	$112,124	$117,730	$123,617
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The Workers' Compensation Board will require additional Other Special Revenue Fund allocations of $83,033 in fiscal year 2003-04 and $112,124 in fiscal year 2004-05 for one permanent hearing officer position to be dedicated to hearing cases alleging fraud, intentional misrepresentation or willful violation of the workers' compensation laws.  The Workers' Compensation Board would also require an increase of the assessment cap to $6,943,033 in fiscal year 2003-04 and $6,972,124 in fiscal year 2004-05 to fund the position.  Increasing the assessment cap will result in an increase of dedicated revenue of $83,033 and $112,124 in fiscal years 2003-04 and 2004-05, respectively.  Increasing the workers' compensation assessment will increase the cost to all State government agencies for the workers' compensation portion of the personal services expense.  The increased cost can not be determined at this time.  Increasing the amount of the penalty that may be imposed may result in additional revenue to the General Fund.  The amount can not be determined at this time.