SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1414

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Labor, Commerce & Trade, March 28, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the definition of "acting in the course of employment" for industrial insurance.

Brief Description:  Defining "acting in the course of employment."

Sponsors:  House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Conway, Lisk, Chandler, Fuhrman, Goldsmith, Cole and Romero).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  3/27/95, 3/28/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Deccio, Franklin, Fraser, Hale, Newhouse and Palmer.

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background:  When an employee is acting in the course of employment, any accident or injury is covered by workers' compensation.  Current law leaves open the possibility that an injury during recreational activities sponsored by an employer may be compensable.

Summary of Bill: The definition of "acting in the course of employment" is modified to exclude social, recreational, or athletic activities unless the participation is during working hours, the employee is compensated for participation, or the employee is ordered or directed by the employer to participate. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 10, 1995.

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

Testimony For:  The bill ensures that employers can feel comfortable sponsoring employee events without being subject to workers' compensation claims.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Conway (pro); Melanie Stewart, Washington Self Insured Association (pro).