SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1468

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Commerce & Labor, March 27, 2013

Title: An act relating to payment methods on certain claimants' benefits.

Brief Description: Modifying payment methods on certain claimants' benefits.

Sponsors: Representatives Sells, Reykdal, Manweller, Condotta, Ormsby, Van De Wege, Fagan and Green; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/13, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 3/20/13, 3/27/13 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Holmquist Newbry, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Conway, Ranking Member; Hasegawa, Hewitt, Keiser and King.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: When paying benefits under the crime victims compensation program and the Industrial Insurance Act, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) must issue warrants or make direct deposits on behalf of recipients.

Summary of Bill: L&I is not limited to using warrants or direct deposit when making benefit payments. For industrial insurance benefits, the recipient may request payment via debit card or other electronic means.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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 is a simple bill that allows L&I to issue debit cards as a form of payment.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Tamara Jones, L&I.