FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2060

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 385 L 89

BYRepresentatives Patrick, Leonard, Beck, Vekich, Baugher, Prentice, Crane, Doty, Inslee, Padden, Kremen, Rayburn, Holland, Walker, Wolfe, Silver, Ballard, Miller, Rector, Winsley, Smith and Todd

Providing industrial insurance coverage for the horse racing industry.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In the horse racing industry, licensed trainers who employ workers at parimutuel horse racing tracks pay industrial insurance premiums on a "per start" basis under rules adopted by the Department of Labor and Industries.

SUMMARY:

Industrial insurance premiums for horse racing employments at parimutuel race tracks must be computed on a per license basis.  The amount of the premium must be set at the basic manual rate, without experience rating.

The premium must be paid at each issuance or renewal of owner, trainer, or groom licenses.  The Washington Horse Racing Commission is directed to collect the premium assessments at the time of licensing and deposit the assessments in the industrial insurance trust funds.  The fees must be collected retroactively on all licenses issued after January 1, 1989.  The premium will provide industrial insurance coverage for all on or off track employees of trainers licensed by the commission, including exercise riders, pony riders, and grooms.  For the purpose of paying the assessments and making reports, trainers are deemed the employers.

The owner's license fee is limited to a maximum of $150.  An owner with less than full ownership of a horse must pay a percentage of the fee that equals the owner's share in the horse or horses.

Workers' wages for employments at parimutuel tracts are not subject to medical aid or supplemental fund premium deductions.

The authority of the Horse Racing Commission to require licenses for periods no longer than three years is changed to require annual licenses.

The House Commerce & Labor Committee and the Senate Economic Development and Labor Committee will study industrial insurance coverage in the horse racing industry, specifically including coverage for jockeys.  The results of the study will be reported by December 1, 1989.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 96   2

      Senate    46     1 (Senate amended)

      House             (House refused to concur)

Free Conference Committee

      Senate    40     0

      House 97   0

EFFECTIVE:May 13, 1989

Partial Veto Summary:  The Governor vetoed the section of the bill that required a legislative study of industrial insurance coverage of the horse racing industry.  The Governor indicated that the Department of Labor and Industries and the Horse Racing Commission would be directed to participate and cooperate in any legislative study that was conducted.  (See VETO MESSAGE)