FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 6225

                           C 60 L 96

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Regulating employer assessments.

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

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  The Department of Labor and Industries is authorized to estimate and collect industrial insurance premiums whenever an employer fails or refuses to pay them.  In some instances, the collection of the estimated premiums is inequitable because the assessment may be incorrect due to mistake, excusable neglect, or newly discovered facts.  Current law does not allow the department to compromise an assessment that has become final.

A provision of the state workers' compensation law calls for penalties against an employer or a worker for removal of required safeguards.  The provision was enacted in 1911 but the department has no record of a request for enforcement under it.  State and federal safety laws currently provide a more comprehensive and defined approach for the provision of worker safety.

Summary:  The director may compromise the amount of premiums estimated by the department if collection of the full amount would be against equity and good conscience.

The statute imposing penalties against an employer or a worker for removal of required safeguards is repealed.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    48 0

House     94 0

Effective:  June 6, 1996