House approves statutory board compensation cap and reimbursement rules for workers' compensation fund

Representative Clark presented House Bill 13 to codify compensation and expense reimbursement for the Workers' Compensation Fund board. Clark said the fund has been well managed and that statutorily setting compensation (rather than leaving it to rule) would improve transparency and allow reasonable remuneration to attract qualified directors.

Key provisions described on the floor include an aggregate compensation cap of up to $75,000 per calendar year for the board (beginning in 2008), reimbursement of reasonable expenses (travel, accommodation) subject to oversight by the Department of Insurance commissioner, and a coordination provision limiting turnover so no more than two board members depart in any single year.

Representatives raised multiple questions: Representative Holding asked what expenses would be reimbursed; Representative Allen asked whether legislative action validates authority over the fund and whether the change would affect the fund’s quasi‑public status; Representative Garn asked why the legislature set compensation in statute rather than letting the board set fees; Representative Fairey questioned whether report language would show attendance and compensation details. The sponsor said the bill addresses governance and statutory clarity, but several representatives indicated unresolved questions about the fund's governance and potential tax‑exempt implications. The House passed HB13 53 yes, 20 no, 2 absent and referred it to the Senate.