SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5748

BYSenators Matson, Anderson and Owen

Allowing self-insured employers to close disability claims after July 1990.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 15, 1989

Senate Staff:Charles A. Woods (786-7452)

AS OF FEBRUARY 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Self-insured employers were granted the right to close certain claims in limited cases under Chapter 55, Section 1, Laws of 1986, for a two-year period ending July 1, 1988.  Chapter 161, Section 13, Laws of 1988 extended the sunset provision two years to July 1, 1990.  Proponents of the provision believe that self-insured employers have not abused the authority granted them and that they will not abuse it in the future.  A study by the Department of Labor and Industries during the first biennium shows general compliance by self-insured employers with the statutory authority to close cases.

SUMMARY:

The sunset date of July 1, 1990 is striken from the statute.  Also, a technical amendment correcting a citation to the Administrative Procedure Act is recodified.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested