Calling all! Be sure to read the updates below and if you don’t like what you see – Be sure to write or call your federal and state congressional representatives about future bills.
At the state level:
**ALABAMA WORKERS' COMPENSATION LEGISLATION - WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Summary: Although workers’ compensation is not seen as a priority for the Legislature during the 2008 session, one measure on this topic was enacted.
H.B. 124 and S.B. 244 increase the maximum potential assessment by the Alabama Insurance Guaranty Association for a workers' compensation insolvency to 2% of an insurer's net direct written premiums in workers' compensation insurance sold for the calendar year preceding the
assessment.
H.B. 124 signed by Governor Bob Riley (R) May 19.
ALABAMA H.B. 427 - UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Sponsor: Representative John Page (D)
Summary: Current version (April 17) increases the maximum unemployment benefits by $20 per week for benefit years which begin on or after July 6, 2008. Increases the maximum unemployment benefits by an additional $10 per week for benefit years which begin on or after July 5, 2009.
Status: Introduced in House and referred to Commerce Committee February 14, 2008. Hearing held April 15. Amended and passed committee April 17. Passed House, introduced in Senate and referred to Business and Labor Committee April 24. Passed committee May 2. Passed Senate May 8.
Outlook: The Senate unanimously passed the measure. H.B. 427 will now be sent to Governor Bob Riley (R). Upon receiving a bill, the Governor has six days to sign, veto or allow it to become law without his signature. Governor Riley is expected to sign the legislation.
The Business and Labor Committee passed the bill with a vote of 6-0. The House passed the measure with a vote of 93-1. The Commerce Committee took executive action April 17, reporting the bill as favorable after adopting an amendment, which changes the maximum amounts for unemployment benefits and the effective dates. The April 15 hearing was open to the public, and the committee accepted testimony.
**ALABAMA H.B. 472 - MANDATED BENEFITS
Sponsor: Representative James Gordon (D)
Summary: Current version (May 8) requires all health care plans to provide coverage for chiropractic services.
Effective October 1, 2008
Status: Introduced in House and referred to Health Committee February 19, 2008. Amended and passed committee March 6. Passed House March 27. Introduced in Senate and referred to Committee on Health March 28. Amended and passed committee April 17. Amended and passed
Senate May 8. House concurred and sent to Governor Bob Riley (R) May 19.
At the federal level:
President Signs Landmark Genetic Non-Discrimination Law
President Bush has signed a new law that prohibits employers and health insurance companies from discriminating against or refusing coverage to individuals based on the results of genetic testing. The employment provisions of the law will take effect in November 2009, 18 months after the president signed the bill.
Additional resources: SHRM members can receive an email with more resources on this topic. Go to the Express Request page and select key term "GENETIC INFORMATION NONDISCRIMINATION ACT"
Let your voice be heard! It is not too late for immigration and ADA Restoration.
Until next time,
Jennifer Starace, Director of Legislative Affairs