Relating to: various changes to the worker’s compensation law, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE)

AB 651 updates Wisconsin's worker's compensation law with two key changes. It creates a new requirement for insurers to report suspected fraud (such as false employee classifications) to the department, and establishes procedures for investigating and prosecuting such fraud. The bill also adjusts maximum weekly compensation rates for permanent partial disability injuries, setting specific dollar limits that increase incrementally over time (e.g., $645 for injuries between March 2024-2025, rising to $693 by 2027). These changes directly affect workers receiving benefits, employers paying premiums, and insurers managing claims.