North Dakota Weighs Letting Firms Self-Insure for Workers’ Compensation

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A North Dakota state agency is the only entity that can legally sell workers compensation insurance to businesses in the state.

But Minot state Rep. Dan Ruby says it’s about time the Workforce Safety and Insurance agency got some competition. Ruby has introduced legislation that would allow North Dakota businesses to provide their own workers compensation coverage. They would have to show their finances are strong enough to handle self-insurance.

The bill also will let companies buy workers compensation insurance from companies outside the state. He said North Dakota is one of only four states that puts a monopoly state agency in charge of coverage.

Businesses are required to buy workers compensation coverage.

The bill is HB1408.