NCCI’s 2026 Emerging Legislative and Regulatory Issues report identifies heat exposure, workplace violence, and broader workers’ compensation system changes as key areas of legislative and regulatory focus that could impact workers’ compensation programs. The report includes state‑specific legislative and regulatory proposals and notes that several themes from its 2025 report remain active in 2026, including coverage presumptions, marijuana and hallucinogens, and worker classification.  

Key themes for 2026 include:

• Heat‑related injuries, particularly in outdoor industries: Proposals include employer requirements for water, rest, shade, training, and heat‑illness prevention, while OSHA’s proposed heat standard remains under federal review.
• Workplace violence: Measures addressing workplace violence through broad worker‑safety requirements and sector‑specific approaches, including healthcare and social services. NCCI expects to release an analysis on workplace assaults and homicides.
• Workers’ compensation system changes: Structural considerations such as alternative coverage approaches, captive arrangements, and clarification of coverage responsibilities as workforce models evolve.