HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2891

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                          Education

Title:  An act relating to school district‑sponsored, nonpaid, work‑based learning experiences.

Brief Description:  Providing medical aid benefits coverage for school district‑sponsored, nonpaid, work‑based learning experiences.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dorn and Springer.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Education, February 4, 1994, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 19 members:  Representatives Dorn, Chair; Cothern, Vice Chair; Brough, Ranking Minority Member; B. Thomas, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Brumsickle; Carlson; G. Cole; Eide; G. Fisher; Hansen; Holm; Jones; Karahalios; J. Kohl; Patterson; Pruitt; Roland; Stevens and L. Thomas.

Staff:  Robert Butts (786-7111).

Background:  Many educators and business and labor leaders think that more opportunities should be provided for students to explore different career areas.  One approach to achieve this goal is "job-shadowing," in which students spend time in offices, industrial plants and other places of business and commerce.

A concern, however, has been raised about the potential liability faced by a business owner should a student have an accident on the premises. 

It has been suggested that the liability exposure would be less if these students were considered as "volunteers" under Workers' Compensation, which would make the students eligible for medical benefits.  As a "volunteer,"  other Workers' Compensation benefits, such as disability benefits, would not be provided.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  A person participating in a school-sponsored, nonpaid, work-based learning experience shall be considered a "volunteer" for purposes of Workers' Compensation and thus be eligible for medical benefits.

A task force is created to develop a definition of a nonpaid, work-based learning experience.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The task force was added, and several technical changes were made.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Some employers are worried that having students on their premises creates unacceptable liability problems.  This legislation provides employers with protection should an accident occur to a student.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Representative Dorn (prime sponsor); and Kathleen Lopp, Washington Vocational Association (pro).