SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5945

BYSenators Cantu, Smitherman, Anderson and Tanner

Changing provisions relating to readjustments of workers' compensation.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1987; March 5, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Cantu, Tanner, Vognild, West.

Senate Staff:Jack Brummel (786-7428)

                  March 13, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, MARCH 5, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Employers currently cannot request a change in a workers' compensation allowance under RCW 51.32.160.  In addition, the current law allows claims to be re-opened any number of times as long as the re-openings are separated by less than seven years.

SUMMARY:

The Workmen's Compensation Act is amended to allow employers to apply for a readjustment in the rate of workers' compensation paid if the worker's disability has improved or been aggravated.  The time limit for an application for a readjustment is changed from seven years after establishment or termination of compensation to five years from the date the first closing order becomes final.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Cliff Finch, Association of Washington Business; Joe Dear, Department of Labor and Industries; Dennis Martin, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association; Jeff Johnson, Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO