SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1010

BYRepresentatives Sayan, Patrick, Wang, Wineberry, R. King, Rector, Dellwo, Winsley, Basich and Day

Revising provisions for disability leave supplement for law enforcement officers and fire fighters.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 20, 1989; March 22, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Smitherman, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:David Cheal (786-7576)

                  March 22, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, MARCH 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1985, law enforcement officers and fire fighters in the LEOFF II system were provided with a disability supplement program to augment the workers' compensation benefits paid during duty-related injury.  The supplement is an amount that, in combination with workers' compensation temporary total disability payments, provides the officer or fire fighter with the same net pay that he or she received for active duty.  The disability supplement cost is shared by the employer and employee.  The supplement payments begin on the sixth day of absence from work.  The program expires on June 30, 1989.

The Legislative Budget Committee reviewed the program in 1987.  The LBC concluded that the program had minimal financial effects on local governments.

SUMMARY:

The June 30, 1989, expiration date of the disability leave supplement program for law enforcement officers and fire fighters under LEOFF II is deleted.  The date on which the disability supplement will begin is changed from the sixth day of absence from work to the sixth calendar day after the injury.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 16, 1989

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Doug Sayan, prime sponsor (pro); Howard Vietzke (pro); Kathleen Collins