SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5278
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Passed Senate, March 2, 2011
Title: An act relating to information contained in rate notices under the industrial insurance laws.
Brief Description: Addressing information contained in rate notices under the industrial insurance laws.
Sponsors: Senators Holmquist Newbry and King.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 2/01/11, 2/03/11, 2/07/11 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/02/11, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Holmquist Newbry, Ranking Minority Member; King, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hewitt, Keiser and Kline.
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: Expenses relating to industrial safety and health services of the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) that pertain to workers' compensation are paid by the L&I and financed by premiums and assessments collected from the state fund and self-insured employers. In addition to paying workers' compensation benefits and administrative costs, premiums are used to fund other programs and services, including L&I's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington, and specialty compliance services at L&I which include the apprenticeship and employment standards programs.
Summary of Bill: Rate notices must include an accounting that clearly identifies all programs and services that are financed in whole or in part by state fund premiums or self-insurers' administrative assessments.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is about transparency and letting employers and workers know where their workers compensation taxes go. This is a great idea.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Kris Tefft, Association of Washington Business; Patrick Connor, NFIB.