2158 AMH CHAB CORD 32

HB 2158 - H AMD

By Representative Chandler

   Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that the Washington industrial insurance system administered by the department of labor and industries is being adversely affected by several factors, including but not limited to:

   (a) A period of national and state economic uncertainty that has reduced investment income in the system; and

   (b) Administrative uncertainties that have arisen as a result of recent court decisions affecting benefits paid.

   (2) It is the intent of the legislature to address these problems with policy changes resulting in the comprehensive reform of the industrial insurance system that serves to prevent like and similar problems from occurring in the future. Further, it is the intent of the legislature that this act meet all of the following goals:

(a) The policy changes should treat both employers and workers fairly, with equitable consideration given to issues concerning benefits paid and received, as well as resulting costs and burdens to the system; and

(b) The policy changes should support a sound and stable financial basis for the system, including consideration given to rate stabilization methods to reduce significant increases in rates."

EFFECT: Adds that (1) administrative uncertainties from recent court decisions have also adversely affected the industrial insurance system; (2) the Legislature intends to address these problems with comprehensive reform that serves to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future; (3) the policy changes should include treating both employers and workers fairly, giving equitable consideration to benefits paid and received and costs and burdens to the system; and (4) the policy changes should give consideration to rate stabilization.