WORKER’S COMPENSATION – Amends existing law to define a public employer and a public corporation with respect to certain requirements regarding security for compensation.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 160 clarifies worker's compensation rules for public employers in Idaho, allowing access to open market insurance and ensuring future legislative review.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 19, 2025 Session Law Chapter 105 Effective: 07/01/2025

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Bill Overview

Title: WORKER’S COMPENSATION – Amends existing law to define a public employer and a public corporation with respect to certain requirements regarding security for compensation.

Bill Number: H 160

Status: Reported Signed by Governor on March 19, 2025; Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Introduced: February 6, 2025

Classification: Bill

Subject Areas: Business and Business Entities, Employers and Employees, Insurance, Labor, Worker’s Compensation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 160 aims to amend the Idaho Code regarding worker's compensation by defining terms related to public employers and public corporations. The bill specifically addresses the requirements for securing compensation and introduces a sunset provision for certain definitions, allowing for future legislative review.

Key Provisions

Definitions and Amendments:

The bill amends Section 72-301 and Section 72-928 of the Idaho Code to clarify the definition of "public employer" and "public corporation."
It allows single-purpose districts organized as local public bodies to access the open market for workers' compensation insurance.

Sunset Provision:

The bill includes a five-year sunset provision for the new definitions, meaning these changes will be reviewed by the legislature before July 1, 2030, to assess their effectiveness.

Technical Corrections:

The bill makes various technical corrections to existing language in the Idaho Code, ensuring clarity and accuracy in the legal text.

Insurance Requirements:

It specifies that public employers must secure compensation through the state insurance fund unless the fund refuses to accept the risk.
Self-insured employers must maintain adequate security for compensation payments, with specific acceptable instruments outlined.

Impact

Who is Affected:

The bill primarily affects public employers, including cities, counties, and school districts in Idaho, as well as single-purpose districts that provide municipal services.
It also impacts workers' compensation insurers operating within the state.

Fiscal Impact:

According to the fiscal note, there is no expected fiscal impact on state or local governments, as the bill does not create or expand any programs or require additional funding.

Procedural Timeline

February 6, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Commerce & Human Resources Committee.

March 19, 2025: Signed by the Governor; set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Legislative Actions: The bill passed through various readings and committee approvals in both the House and Senate before being signed into law.

Conclusion

House Bill 160 is a legislative measure designed to clarify and amend existing worker's compensation laws in Idaho, particularly concerning public employers and their insurance obligations. The inclusion of a sunset provision allows for future evaluation of its effectiveness, ensuring that the legislation remains relevant and effective in protecting workers' compensation interests.

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