BILL REQ. #:  S-2881.3 

READ FIRST TIME 03/31/05.   

     WHEREAS, The industrial insurance system in this state has been in existence since 1911; and
     WHEREAS, In the ninety-four years since its creation, there has rarely been agreement by stakeholders on the calculation of benefits, the premium rate-making process, the expenditures of funds from the accident and medical aid funds, and the general administration of the program by the state agency charged with its administration; and
     WHEREAS, Over the years various groups have come together in an attempt to improve the system. While some positive changes have resulted from these efforts, both labor and business would agree that there are still improvements to the system that need to be made;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the state of Washington, the House of Representatives concurring, That a joint select committee on workers' compensation be established; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee consist of eight members, four members of the Senate, two from each of the two largest caucuses, selected by the president of the Senate; and four members of the House of Representatives, two from each of the two largest caucuses, selected by the speaker of the House of Representatives; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee shall choose cochairs, one chosen from the Senate members and one chosen from the House of Representatives members; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee shall convene an advisory committee to assist it in its duties under this resolution; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the advisory committee be composed of nine members. Each caucus represented on the joint select committee shall appoint two individuals to serve as members of the advisory committee. The director of the department of labor and industries or his or her designee shall also be a member of the advisory committee; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no member of the advisory committee may be a current registered lobbyist under RCW 42.17.150 or have been a registered lobbyist within the past five years; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the issues the committee will address are limited to the following: Vocational rehabilitation; independent medical examinations; claims management; rate stability; and the expansion of centers of occupational health and education; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee may choose to use a facilitator to assist it or the advisory committee with its work; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee issue a progress report on its work to the Legislature by January 5, 2006, and issue a final report and recommendations to the legislature by December 15, 2006.