FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5122

                          C 119 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Recovering industrial insurance benefits payments.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley and Oke; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.

Senate Committee on Labor & Workforce Development

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  When a worker obtains industrial insurance payments by fraud, the Department of Labor and Industries must demand or order recovery within one year.  However, the investigation and documentation of fraud cases can be complex and time-consuming.  It is believed that a three-year recovery period would be more realistic and lead to the recovery of more money.

Summary:  The repayment or recoupment of industrial insurance payments induced by fraud must be demanded or ordered within three years of the discovery of the fraud.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 43 0

House     93 0

Effective:  July 25, 1999