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Bill

Bill

SB 6136

Promoting transparency in certain industrial insurance rate increases.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Curtis King

Washington requires insurers to disclose detailed justifications for industrial insurance rate increases to regulators, improving transparency in workers' compensation pricing decisions.

Delivered to Governor.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 6136

Legislative bill overview

SB 6136 requires insurers to provide greater transparency when raising industrial insurance rates in Washington State. The bill mandates that insurers disclose specific justifications and data supporting rate increases to regulators and potentially the public. This measure aims to ensure accountability in pricing decisions that affect Washington businesses and workers' compensation costs.

Why is this important

Industrial insurance (workers' compensation) is a mandatory program that significantly impacts business operating costs and worker protections. Rate increases directly affect small businesses' bottom lines and can influence hiring and wage decisions. Transparency requirements help regulators identify unjustified increases and allow businesses to better understand and challenge rate decisions that affect their competitiveness.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry burden: Insurers may argue that detailed disclosure requirements increase administrative costs and competitive sensitivity by revealing actuarial models and risk assessment methodologies
  • Regulatory scope: Debate over what constitutes sufficient transparency—whether simple disclosure to regulators suffices or if public disclosure is required, potentially exposing proprietary business information
  • Rate approval timeline: Uncertainty about whether transparency requirements could delay rate implementation, affecting insurer financial planning and premium adjustments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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