HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5450

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Local Government

Title: An act relating to public hospital districts insurance coverage for commissioners.

Brief Description: Concerning public hospital districts insurance coverage for commissioners.

Sponsors: Senator Parlette.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government: 3/15/13, 3/19/13 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Bill

(As Amended by Committee)

  • Authorizes a public hospital district that provides group insurance for its employees and their immediate family and dependents to provide the same or similar coverage for the district's commissioners.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Takko, Chair; Fitzgibbon, Vice Chair; Taylor, Ranking Minority Member; Kochmar, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buys, Liias, Springer and Upthegrove.

Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

Public hospital districts are community-created, publicly owned governmental entities that are authorized to deliver hospital and other health care services to residents within and outside of the district.

Public hospital districts are governed by three, five, or seven elected commissioners who serve six-year terms. The commissioners are not salaried, but receive $90 per day for conducting official district services, up to an annual maximum of $8,640, as adjusted for inflation. Additionally, if the district provides group insurance for its employees and their immediate family and dependents, the district may also provide its commissioners with the same coverage.

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Summary of Amended Bill:

A public hospital district that provides group insurance for its employees and their immediate family and dependents may provide the same or similar coverage, rather than only the same coverage, for the commissioners of the district.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The amended bill authorizes a public hospital district that provides group insurance for its employees and their immediate family and dependents to provide the same or similar coverage, rather than only similar coverage, for the district's commissioners.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) None.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.