Worker’s Compensation Claims on Appeal (E2SHB 3139)

As passed the House on February 18 and the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Development on February 26, this bill provides that a claim for worker’s compensation is payable to the claimant during an employer appeal unless the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals orders a stay. Amendments are being advanced to address the concerns for both state fund and self-insured employers. Cities that self-insure for worker’s compensation should become familiar with this bill and call their respective legislators with any concerns.

Extending Military Leave for Public Employees (HB 1127)

This legislation will extend the paid military leave of absence from 15 to 30 days each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30. AWC testified against this bill, not as a matter of policy, but rather the fiscal impacts of the bill. A number of individuals who serve also work in public safety positions that cannot be replaced with temporary help. The result of this bill will be costs associated with overtime pay. HB 1127, free of amendments at this time, is scheduled for hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 3:30 on Friday, February 29. If you’re concerned about this bill, please call your legislators.

Transfer of Fire District Employees to Annexing Cities (ESHB 2938)

ESHB 2938, which provides for the transfer of fire district employees to a city following annexation or incorporation, had been scheduled for a February 26 hearing before the Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee, but was not heard. For more information on ESHB 2938, please see last week’s Legislative Bulletin.

Family Leave Insurance (SSB 6280/HB 3305)

The bills that would have implemented the family leave insurance program enacted by E2SSB 5659 of last year, failed to pass their respective house of origin by the February 19 cutoff. Supplemental budget drafts allocate $6.2 million for program set-up and administration. However, it remains to be determined how the $250 weekly benefits paid to new parents will be financed. It appears this is an issue the legislature will address next year.

Leave for Victims of Domestic Violence (SHB 2602, SSB 5900)

SHB 2602 requires employers to provide reasonable leave to employees who are victims of domestic violence. The bill outlines fines of up to $1,000 for violations of the act. SSB 5900 which offers almost identical employee protections as SHB 2602 passed the Senate and is now in the House Commerce and Labor Committee but has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

Unpaid Leave for Family of Military Personnel (SB 6447)

This bill passed the House Committee on Commerce and Labor on Tuesday, February 26. As amended, this bill establishes the Family Military Leave Act under which an employee is allowed to take up to fifteen days unpaid leave while their military spouse is on leave from deployment from a declared period of war.

Providing Industrial Insurance Death Benefits (HB 1545)

HB 1545 provides monthly industrial insurance death benefits for life for the surviving spouses of law enforcement officers and fire fighters, if the surviving spouse remarries. The bill passed out of the House on February 15 and was heard by the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, and Research & Development on February 26.

Fire Fighters’ Survivors (HB 3020)

This bill would impact jurisdictions with pre-LEOFF fire fighters, and allow any retired firefighter married to a spouse ineligible for survivor benefits to choose an actuarially equivalent benefit that pays a reduced retirement allowance to the surviving spouse. In addition, spousal benefits would no longer cease upon remarriage. HB 3020 passed out of the House and is now in the Senate Rules Committee.

LEOFF 1 Retiree Medical Liability

The AWC Legislative Committee and Board of Directors identified securing financial assistance to help cities pay for their LEOFF 1 liabilities as a top legislative priority for 2008. They did so understanding it was unlikely any action would be taken during the short 2008 session. The Board simply wanted to ensure the Legislature is reminded of this significant local government liability as we work towards solutions and legislation for 2009.

We are pleased to report the Senate draft 2008 supplemental budget includes a $40,000 allocation to the Department of Retirement Systems to work with interested parties to seek solutions to the $1.745 billion liability as defined by the State Actuary in December 2007.

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