SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6396

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Cantu, Conner, McMullen, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, West.

Senate Staff:Bill Lynch (786-7427)

                  March 2, 1988

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1988

BACKGROUND:

A worker who has either a temporary total disability or a 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.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Betty Buckley, Dept. of Labor and Industries (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

A one word technical amendment is made which does not impact the bill.