March 9, 2009

Seven bills prime sponsored by Rep. Bailey pass the House
10th District lawmaker's measures now in the Senate for consideration

Rep. Barbara Bailey saw seven bills she is prime sponsoring pass off the House floor in the last two weeks. The measures are now in the Senate for consideration.

"It has been a busy time in the House -- both on the floor and in committee," said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. "I'm honored that my legislative colleagues joined me in moving some good bills forward. I look forward to working with the Senate to ensure they advance to the governor's desk." 

House Bill 1869 would require the disclosure of all fees and charges for care services by health care providers and licensed facilities, at the request of the patient. This would provide transparency and better public information on the cost and quality of health care.

"The goal is to assist patients in making informed choices about their health care, and encourage private insurers and public programs to reward quality and efficiency," said Bailey. "This is also about transparency -- something our health care system needs more of as we move forward with reforms."

House Bill 1461 would allow counties to adopt a biweekly pay period for county officers and employees. It would also provide a county using a semi-monthly pay period to adopt a biweekly pay period and make payments not later than 13 days after the end of each pay period.

"This is about local control and more flexibility for smaller counties. It could help many jurisdictions around our state -- including Island County, whose auditor brought the idea to my attention," said Bailey. "To pass the House is an important hurdle."

House Bill 1547 would increase from $150,000 to $175,000 the lump-sum death benefit that is paid to survivors of state, school district, higher education or other Washington State Retirement Systems-covered employees who die as a result of injuries sustained in the course of employment.

"This is very important for law enforcement officials and fire fighters in our communities and across the state. These groups testified and provided a very compelling case for making changes," said Bailey. "It was great to see unanimous support for this measure in the House, and I hope for the same in the Senate."

The measure would also make the $175,000 death benefit payable either from the member’s retirement plan or, if the employee was not covered by one of the state retirement systems, from sundry claims.

House Bill 1548 would eliminate the requirement that members make contributions for interruptive military service upon return to state service if that service is during a period of war. It would also refund past member contributions for interruptive military service, if that military service was rendered during a period of war.

"We must ease the burdens of our servicemen and servicewomen in the state. As they put their lives on the line in far-away places, we should be doing all we can at home to help them and their families," said Bailey. "No one testified against this bill, and it would not impact pension contribution rates this two-year budget cycle. This is important when you consider our state faces an $8 billion budget shortfall."

The measure would also provide that if a member dies during interruptive military service during a time of war, the survivor does not have to pay for the cost of the military service credit.

House Bill 1567 would change Medicare Supplement policy replacement standards and require the reporting of premiums for tax purposes to be consistent with the basis the insurer used to report in the insurer’s annual statement.

"This would update and correct our insurance code. It would fix some incorrect language and update some outdated language," said Bailey. "It is what some people in Olympia call 'a good little bill.'"

House Bill 1568 would prohibit certain practices for surplus line brokers, apply a number of statutes to surplus line brokers, and make a number of language and grammatical changes.

"This is a collaborative effort and I think everyone is satisfied with what we've crafted," said Bailey. "It also contributes to a continued effort to the overhaul of the regulation of producers."

House Bill 1749 would modify licensing, education, and background check standards for mortgage brokers and loan originators.

"This legislation is about taking the necessary steps at the state level to regulate mortgage brokers, so the federal government won't have to make decisions for us," said Bailey. "I continue to believe that thoughtful state regulation is better for consumers and businesses."

The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to run through April 26. 

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