Kansas State Fair Wants to Opt Out of Workers’ Comp Pool

Kansas State Fair officials are asking the legislature to allow the fair to opt out of the state workers’ compensation insurance pool.

Fair officials want to be able to buy insurance from a private company, but state law requires state agencies to buy insurance through the state’s self-insurance program.

Fair officials say the move would save the fair nearly $100,000. Fair Manager Denny Stoecklein says the fair’s workers’ compensation insurance cost has increased from $33,823 in fiscal 2009 to $101,000 this fiscal year.

If the fair isn’t allowed to opt out, it would have to pay $120,000 next fiscal year.

Jay Emler, a Republican from Lindsborg, introduced a bill in the Senate to address the issue but it has not been slated for discussion.