SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2146

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                Higher Education, April 1, 1997

Title:  An act relating to claims against the University of Washington.

Brief Description:  Regulating claims against the University of Washington.

Sponsors:  Representatives Huff and H. Sommers.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  3/31/97, 4/1/97 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Wood, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Hale, Kohl, Patterson, Prince, Sheldon and West.

Staff:  Jennifer Hanlon (786-7784)

Background:  In 1976, the self-insurance revolving fund was created for the University of Washington.  The fund is used by the Board of Regents at the University of Washington to pay settlements and judgments against the university, including its schools, colleges, departments, hospitals, regents, officers, employees, agents and students.  The law also provides that the fund be invested by the State Investment Board.

Current law provides that claim payments in excess of $2,500 must be approved by the state Attorney General.  The self-insurance fund has a $30 million balance.

Summary of Amended Bill:  Custody of the University of Washington self-insurance fund is transferred from the treasurer to the university.  Provisions regarding the State Investment Board are eliminated.

The Attorney General must approve all payments from the fund in excess of $25,000.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The provision requiring confidentiality of claim file is eliminated.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.