Which state was the first to enact a workers compensation act that remains in effect?

Wisconsin holds the distinction of being the first state to enact a workers' compensation law that continues to be in effect today. The Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Act was established in 1911 as a pioneering legislation that aimed to provide financial assistance and medical benefits to workers who are injured on the job. This law was significant in the evolution of labor rights and workplace safety standards in the United States, serving as a model for other states to develop their own workers' compensation laws.

The act addressed important aspects such as no-fault liability, meaning that injured workers could receive benefits without the need to prove negligence on the part of the employer. This system was designed to ensure that workers were supported and that they received compensation promptly, ultimately contributing to safer workplace environments.

In contrast, while California, New York, and Texas have robust workers' compensation systems, they did not pioneer the initial legislation that still remains in effect. Therefore, Wisconsin’s early adoption and lasting implementation of its workers' compensation act is historically significant and remains a cornerstone in the context of labor legislation.