By Delegates Smirl, Trump and Greear:
H. C. R. 27--"Directing the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study of the administration of the workers' compensation system in West Virginia."
Whereas, West Virginia is only one of six states in the United States which administers its own workers' compensation system; and
Whereas, Other states, such as Kentucky, permit private insurance companies to provide workers' compensation insurance to businesses; and
Whereas, Private insurance companies are able to offer competitive rates as well as utilize a national network of investigators to deter fraud; and
Whereas, West Virginia's system of workers' compensation has been perceived as a deterrent to businesses operating or desiring to locate in this State; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby directed to review, examine and study the workers' compensation systems in those states which do not administer their own workers' compensation system; and the feasibility of removing the State from the business of providing insurance and to allowing private insurance companies to offer workers' compensation to businesses in West Virginia, and be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government andFinance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1996, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.