SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5278

As of April 13, 2011

Title: An act relating to information contained in rate notices under the industrial insurance laws.

Brief Description: Addressing information contained in rate notices under the industrial insurance laws.

Sponsors: Senators Holmquist Newbry and King.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 2/01/11.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Expenses relating to industrial safety and health services of the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) that pertain to workers' compensation are paid by the L&I and financed by premiums and assessments collected from the state fund and self-insured employers. In addition to paying workers' compensation benefits and administrative costs, premiums are used to fund other programs and services, including L&I's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington, and specialty compliance services at L&I which include the apprenticeship and employment standards programs.

Summary of Bill: Rate notices must include an accounting that clearly identifies all programs and services that are financed in whole or in part by state fund premiums or self-insurers' administrative assessments.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2011.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is about transparency and letting employers and workers know where their workers compensation taxes go. This is a great idea.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Kris Tefft, Association of Washington Business; Patrick Connor, NFIB.