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.