SB 1113, PN 1513 (Ward) – This bill amends the Crime Victims Act to add members to the Victim Services’ Advisory Committee and make technical changes. A vote of 48-0 was recorded.
HB 1199, PN 1574 (Taylor) – HB 1199 repeals the 1965 Act authorizing the Department of Highways, with the Approval of Governor, to erect and maintain a toll bridge over the Monongahela River. A vote of 48-0 was recorded.
HB 1766, PN 3382 (Pickett) – Amends Title 40 (Insurance) to set standards for the valuation of reserve liabilities for life insurance, accident and health insurance and deposit-type contracts depending on their date of issuance. This bill allows future life insurance policy reserves to be based on Principle-Based Reserving (PBR) rather that the current formulaic method. A vote of 48-0 was recorded.
SB 876, PN 1773 (Gordner) – The bill amends the Workers’ Compensation Act to make changes to the claims process under the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF). Among the cost-saving reforms, injured workers may only receive treatment from designated health care providers as identified by the Fund. The bill also requires proof of wages when a claim petition is filed, establishes new penalties, and strengthens liability and compensation provisions with regard to out-of-state employers. Senator Gordner offered amendment A08064, which allows WC funds to be used for “other” operating and administrative costs; removes a requirement that credible claimant testimony used to determine a claimant’s wage amount be accompanied by other documentation; and makes tweaks to calculations in the bill. The amendment was agreed to and the bill went over in its order as amended.