FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 6224

                           C 59 L 96

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Exempting long‑time disability pilot project participants from an expenditure limitation.

Sponsors:  Senators Pelz, Deccio, Wojahn and Newhouse; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  Under the state workers' compensation system, vocational rehabilitation expenditures, including child care and travel, may not exceed $3,000 in any 52-week period.  An additional $3,000 may be expended in a subsequent 52-week period with the approval of the Director of the Department of Labor and Industries.

The department is operating two pilot projects directed toward the reduction of long-term disability.  The pilots use on-the-job training contracts which are subject to the $3,000 and 52-week limitation.  The department asserts that some contracts may call for more than $3,000 in a shorter time frame than allowed under current law.

Summary:  For injured workers in long-term disability pilot projects, the director may authorize up to $6,000 for vocational rehabilitation expenditures, not including child care and travel.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    49 0

House     94 0

Effective:  June 6, 1996