FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 5691
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. |
PARTIAL VETO
C 346 L 11
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Streamlining the crime victims' compensation program.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senator Hargrove).
Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
House Committee on Ways & Means
Background: The Crime Victims' Compensation Program (CVCP) is a program which uses a combination of state appropriations and federal grants for benefits such as medical treatment, counseling, and financial support to certain victims of crime and their beneficiaries. The CVCP is administered by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), and is based on the structure of the Industrial Insurance (Workers Compensation) Program. CVCP benefits are capped at $50,000 per claim until July 1, 2015, at which time the benefit cap is due to rise to $150,000.
A permanent partial disability is an injury causing permanent physical limitation which does not incapacitate the victim or prevent the victim from performing work in any gainful occupation.
Summary: The benefit for permanent partial disability for victims of criminal acts is repealed. The benefit for payments for home and vehicle modifications is also repealed. Non-medical benefits are limited to $40,000 out of the $50,000 benefit cap. Colposcopy exams are excluded from the $50,000 benefit cap. The methods used to determine the amount of claim payments for total permanent disability, financial support, and fatality benefits are simplified. L&I is permitted to use electronic means of communication. The CVCP must not pay for experimental or controversial treatment, but only for treatment which is evidence based and curative. CVCP provisions are severed from laws relating to Industrial Insurance.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 46 | 2 | |
House | 92 | 0 | (House amended) |
Senate | 47 | 0 | (Senate concurred) |
Effective: | July 1, 2011. |
Partial Veto Summary: Removes provisions which would restore CVCP benefits for permanent partial disability and home and vehicle modifications on July 1, 2015. Removes a provision which would disallow making exceptions to the CVCP benefit cap for necessary medical benefits after July 1, 2015.