SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6411

BYSenators Smith, Smitherman, Anderson, Deccio, Zimmerman, Lee, Craswell, West, Saling, Cantu and Johnson

Providing for replacement of lost temporary total disability payments.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1988; January 25, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6411 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:David Cheal (786-7576)

                  January 25, 1988

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

BACKGROUND:

Injured workers entitled to temporary total disability payments ("time loss") occasionally lose their benefit checks.  This is sometimes caused by misdelivery or erroneous addresses.  Getting a replacement check frequently takes several weeks.  This can be extremely disruptive to an injured worker who is usually already experiencing significant emotional and financial stress.

SUMMARY:

A claimant may notify the Department of Labor & Industries after seven days from mailing of the lost check through a sworn statement that acknowledges the penalties for fraud.  After receipt of the statement the Department must deliver or mail a duplicate payment within seven days.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The substitute bill clarifies the application of the bill to all lost benefit checks, not just the initial payment in the life of a claim.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 15, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Smith; Gail Mayes, Injured Workers Awareness Coalition; Bob Sevart, Injured Workers Awareness Coalition; Doug Johnson, Washington State Labor Council