SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1469

As of March 26, 2013

Title: An act relating to industrial insurance for horse racing employment.

Brief Description: Addressing industrial insurance for horse racing employment.

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

Brief History: Passed House: 2/25/13, 92-0.

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 3/20/13.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Industrial insurance premiums are generally assessed on a per-hour basis. In certain horse racing employments, premiums are assessed on a per-license basis at a fixed rate and are not experience rated. Trainers licensed by the Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC) are considered employers, and are responsible for paying the premium for grooms, exercise riders, and others.

Summary of Bill: The reference to hotwalkers is eliminated from industrial insurance provisions concerning the types of horse racing employments covered by the per-license premium assessment.

The method for computing industrial insurance rates for horse racing employments will change from a per-license basis to a basis determined by the Department of Labor and Industries and WHRC.

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 an agreed-upon bill between the WHRC and L&I. This would allow industrial insurance to be purchased only for the days you are on track instead of paying for the whole season. This will increase the number of horses at the track and has a positive effect.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Schmick, prime sponsor; Tamara Jones, L&I.