SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6042

BYSenator Warnke

Restricting industrial insurance coverage of offenders performing community service to medical aid benefits.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 4, 1987

Senate Staff:Bill Lynch (786-7427)

                  March 4, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, MARCH 4, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1984 the Legislature authorized cities and counties to classify offenders performing community service work as employees for workers' compensation purposes.  This allows an injured person's medical costs to be covered and bars most actions against the unit of local government because of employer immunity.

The current statute, however, does not limit industrial insurance coverage to medical aid benefits.  It is possible for a unit of local government to be liable for time loss, disability awards, and disability pensions.  The current statute authorizing volunteers to be deemed employees for industrial insurance purposes is limited to medical aid benefits.

SUMMARY:

Offenders performing community services may be deemed employees for industrial insurance coverage of medical aid benefits.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Kathleen Collins, Association of Washington Cities