FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6396

                                  C 140 L 88

BYSenators West, Conner and Anderson; by request of Department of Labor and Industries

Ending the use of apprentices' assumed wage rates for computing disability compensation payments.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

A worker who has either a temporary or permanent total disability is entitled to receive benefits equal to 60-75 percent of his or her wages, depending on the worker's marital status and number of dependents.  The benefits may not exceed 75 percent of the state average monthly wage.

Apprentices and trainees who are injured during the hours they are participating in supplemental and related instruction classes are presumed to be paid at the rate of $3 per hour.

It is suggested that actual wages rather than a presumed wage shall be used in computing disability compensation for apprentices or trainees injured in instruction classes.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor and Industries is directed to compute industrial insurance disability compensation payments for apprentices and trainees who are participating in supplemental and related instruction classes based upon the actual wage rate during employment.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    46     0

      House 97   0 (House amended)

      Senate    41     0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988