Relating to: transferring adjudicatory functions for worker’s compensation from the Division of Hearings and Appeals in the Department of Administration to the Department of Workforce Development. (FE)

SB 229 transfers the handling of worker's compensation appeals from the Division of Hearings and Appeals (within the Department of Administration) to the Department of Workforce Development. This change affects workers, employers, and insurers who file or contest compensation claims, as all hearings and decisions will now be processed by the new department. The bill amends over 50 sections of statutes to update references from the old division to the Department of Workforce Development, ensuring consistent application of procedures like appeal processes and evidence rules. The policy change does not alter eligibility rules or benefit amounts - it only shifts administrative responsibility for adjudicating disputes. This is a procedural reorganization, not a substantive change to worker's compensation law.