HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5146

BYSenators Smitherman, von Reichbauer, Tanner, Zimmerman and Bauer

Authorizing life insurance coverage for port district commissioners.

House Committe on Local Government

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Haugen, Chair; Cooper, Vice Chair; Beck, Ferguson, Hine, Nelson, Nutley, Rayburn, and Zellinsky.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (3)

      Signed by Representatives Bumgarner, Nealey and L. Smith.

House Staff:Steve Lundin (786-7127)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Port commissions have authority to provide various benefits for port district employees, including life insurance.  If a port district provides insurance benefits for its employees, it may provide health, accident, business travel, and errors and omissions insurance for its commissioners.  There is no provision authorizing a district to provide life insurance for its commissioners.

SUMMARY:

A port district which provides insurance benefits for its employees may provide life insurance coverage for its commissioners.  The amount of coverage is not to exceed that provided district employees.  Any life insurance provided for commissioners is not considered compensation.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Don White, Washington Public Ports Association; and Don McGavick, Port of Tacoma.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This fixes an oversight.  The insurance coverage for a commissioner cannot exceed coverage given to employees.  Commissioners of other districts receive life insurance.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      This is added compensation and may be the only reason someone runs for port commissioner.