Members of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate are engaging in a debate that could significantly improve the financial value of workers' compensation benefits, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Though the bill continues to navigate the halls of both chambers in the Kansas legislature, should it become law, workers will have much to gain. The bill calls for an increase in permanent disability, raising the cap from $30,000 to $155,000, while the payout for a workplace fatality could climb by 25 percent to $300,000.

With the increase, lawmakers insist that claims must be reported quickly so inspections can be rapidly completed to ascertain if drugs or alcohol were involved in an accident. Illegal immigrants will be eligible for Medicaid payouts, but disqualified from disability benefits.

Meanwhile, a Connecticut woman is challenging the state's workers' compensation laws. The Hartford Courant reports that Stephanie Laurin seeks the $500 weekly benefit package provided under her fiance's plan after he was murdered at the Hartford Distributors plant last year. Lawmakers have currently ruled her ineligible because she is not considered a family member.

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