UTAH LEGISLATURE PASSES W/C BILL

The Utah State Legislature has passed HB 59, allowing subsidiaries of the state workers’ compensation fund to sell insurance to employers outside Utah, in direct competition with private insurance companies. If signed by the Governor, it will allow the Utah Workers’ Compensation Fund to sell in other states. The NAII opposed this bill throughout the legislative session because the group feels that the state fund does not operate on a level playing field with private insurers, according to NAII Counsel Ann Weber. HB 59, introduced by House Majority Leader Kevin S. Gard on Jan. 15, moved quickly through the Legislature. It was passed by the House on Jan. 17 and by the Senate on Feb. 5. Similarly, California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund was chartered as a competitive market, but it does not offer coverage outside of the state.