SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1728

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Wang, Patrick, R. King, P. King, Winsley and Cooper)

Establishing office of information and assistance within the department of labor and industries.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1988; February 25, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Conner, McMullen, Smitherman, Warnke, Williams.

Senate Staff:Charles A. Woods (786-7911)

                  February 25, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, FEBRUARY 25, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The 1984 Joint Select Committee on Workers' Compensation recommended that a workers' compensation ombudsman office be established to assist employers and workers in dealing with the industrial insurance system.  Although the legislation to implement this recommendation was not enacted, the Department of Labor and Industries maintains a toll-free hotline for department clients to call to make inquiries and receive information.  In addition, customer service staff within the department provide claims assistance.

SUMMARY:

An office of information and assistance is created in the department to aid workers, employers, health care providers and other department clients.  The office's functions include answering inquiries and complaints related to industrial insurance claims and premiums, providing referrals to agency programs appropriate for injured workers and their families, providing referrals for inquiries related to other divisions of the department, and maintaining the toll-free hotline for department clients.  The office must prepare quarterly reports on its activities for review by the workers' compensation advisory committee.  Annual reports will be submitted to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature at the beginning of the regular legislative session.  The assistant in charge of the office is exempt from civil service law.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Appropriation is reduced to $66,858.

Appropriation:    $244,644 to the Department of Labor and Industries.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Betty Buckley, L&I (pro)