FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5147

                          C 185 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Prescribing procedures for payment of industrial insurance awards after death.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Labor & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Senator Patterson).

Senate Committee on Labor & Workforce Development

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

House Committee on Appropriations

Background:  If a person is entitled to industrial insurance benefits but dies before receiving a payment, current law allows only the surviving spouse, or the child or children if there is no surviving spouse, to receive the payment.  The term Achild@ means a child under 18, or a child under 23 while a full-time student, unless the child is a dependent as a result of a physical, mental, or sensory handicap.

Summary:  If there is no surviving spouse and no child or children at the time of death of a person entitled to industrial insurance benefits, the amount of the award or monthly payment must be paid according to the terms of the decedent=s will, if there is one, or the state=s statute controlling distribution of assets for those who die without a will.  The Department of Labor and Industries or the self‑insurer may send the final payment in the decedent=s name to the decedent=s last known address.  If a self-insurer is also obligated to make a payment to the supplemental pension fund, the amount of that payment is reduced by the amount of the payment to be distributed as part of the decedent=s estate.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 46 0

House     93 0 (House amended)

Senate    46 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 25, 1999