Tennessee: New law clarifies opt-out process for construction owners

Subcontractors in the construction industry can still opt to go without workers’ comp coverage, but they must register with the state. That’s part of a new law that took effect this year. The previous law allowed subcontractors to opt out of coverage for themselves. However, general contractors often ended up having to pay benefits, according to a spokeswoman for the Home Builders Association of Tennessee. She said injured subcontractors would file claims and argue they did not know they could be covered.