SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6669

BYSenators Lee, McMullen and Murray; by request of Department of Labor and Industries

Revising provisions for industrial insurance coverage of maritime occupations.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 30, 1990; January 31, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, Williams.

Senate Staff:David Cheal (786-7576)

                February 14, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Certain maritime employees are exempt from coverage under the industrial insurance law of Washington because they are covered by the federal government under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Act.  Certain shipyard workers are covered under the Federal Employees Compensation Act. 

The current exemption in state law refers only to "maritime laws."  A recent Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals decision determined that this exemption did not exclude certain shipyard workers.  The result is that some workers currently have double coverage.

SUMMARY:

The exemption from coverage under the industrial insurance laws of Washington is expanded to expressly include workers covered by the Federal Employee Compensation Act. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Mike Watson, Department of Labor and Industries