BILL REQ. #:  H-1068.1 

Read first time 01/29/2007.   Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.

     AN ACT Relating to a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The department of labor and industries shall conduct a study of the incidence of total permanent disability pensions in the state's workers' compensation system. The department shall contract with an independent researcher with demonstrated expertise in workers' compensation systems. The department shall consult with the workers' compensation advisory committee in determining the criteria to use in selecting a researcher and in selecting the researcher with which to contract.
     In conducting the study, the researcher selected shall consider the following: (1) Causes of the recent increase in total permanent disability cases, including changes in injured worker demographics, policy, and other areas that may be identified; (2) future anticipated total permanent disability trends; and (3) a comparison of Washington's permanent disability claims experience and injured workers with other states and jurisdictions.
     The department shall report to the workers' compensation advisory committee on the results of the study on or before July 1, 2008.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2007, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.