§ 65-05-36 — Preferred worker program - Continuing appropriation

For purposes of this section, "preferred worker" means a worker who has incurred a
compensable injury that resulted in a disability that poses a substantial obstacle to employment.
The organization may provide assistance as determined appropriate to preferred workers or
employers who employ a preferred worker. In addition, employers who apply for and are
approved as a preferred worker employer may not be assessed premiums on a preferred
worker's salary for three years from the date of hiring. The organization may not charge claims

costs incurred as a result of an injury sustained by a preferred worker against the preferred
worker's employer's account during the first three years after the worker is hired. The
organization shall charge those claims costs to the general fund. The organization may adopt
rules to regulate and manage the preferred worker program authorized by this section. An
employer or preferred worker may not appeal an organization decision not to provide assistance
to that employer or preferred worker under this section. Money in the workforce safety and
insurance fund is appropriated on a continuing basis to provide the assistance authorized under
this section.