6322.3 ams ande chea

6322 - S Amd

    BySenator Anderson

    On page 1, after line 16 of the committee amendment strike sections 2 through 6 and insert:

    "NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  The insurance commissioner is authorized and directed to enter into negotiations with any and all available private sources of coverage required under the Longshoreman's and Harbor Worker's Compensation Act, 33 U.S.C. Sec. 901 through 950, and maritime liability coverage, to maintain or enhance availability of this coverage.  Negotiations shall first focus on carriers currently providing coverage to Washington maritime employers with the goal of obtaining an extension of any announced termination of coverage availability.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  The insurance commissioner in cooperation with the director of the department of labor and industries is authorized and directed to explore and evaluate all sources of reinsurance of workers compensation insurance required by the Longshoreman's and Harbor Worker's Act, 33 U.S.C. Secs. 901 through 950, and to explore and evaluate various delivery systems for that reinsurance including purchase of the reinsurance by the Washington state industrial insurance fund

    (a)    on it's own behalf pursuant to a program of issuance of direct insurance, or

    (b)    on behalf of some other entity which would issue the direct insurance.

    The study authorized by this section may include other solutions to the federal workers compensation coverage availability and affordability problems faced by Washington maritime employers.

    The insurance commissioner and director of the department of labor and industries shall report their findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than January 1, 1993."