BILL REQ. #:  S-0525.1 

Read first time 01/22/09.   Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

     AN ACT Relating to the use of industrial insurance funds; amending RCW 51.44.010 and 51.44.020; and adding a new section to chapter 51.44 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 51.44.010 and 1961 c 23 s 51.44.010 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There shall be, in the office of the state treasurer, a fund to be known and designated as the "accident fund."
     (2) Expenditures from the accident fund shall be made only for purposes related to the payment of benefits or the administration of industrial insurance programs.

Sec. 2   RCW 51.44.020 and 1961 c 23 s 51.44.020 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There shall be, in the office of the state treasurer, a fund to be known and designated as the "medical aid fund."
     (2) Expenditures from the medical aid fund shall be made only for purposes related to the payment of benefits or the administration of industrial insurance programs.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 51.44 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Any ratepayer or group of ratepayers, acting as a class, may file an action in superior court to protest the improper use of the accident fund, the medical aid fund, or the supplemental pension fund.
     (2) If a court finds that expenditures from the accident fund, the medical aid fund, or the supplemental pension fund are not related to a purpose under RCW 51.44.010, 51.44.020, or 51.44.033, the department is prohibited from making the expenditures, and the ratepayer or ratepayers must be compensated for actual attorneys' fees and an award of triple damages.