Wider coverage target of worker’s comp bill
Psychological injuries would be covered under worker’s compensation laws under legislation introduced in the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday.
Under a bill from Rep. John Rusche, D-Lewiston, workers who experience significant psychological injuries resulting from a serious work-related accident are eligible for worker’s compensation benefits.
Current law requires workers be physically injured to be eligible. “If, for example, you were one of the workers who was shot you’d get it, but if you were standing right next to him and saw everybody else shot, you wouldn’t,” Rusche said. “(The bill) just removes the requirement that there be a physical injury.”
He doesn’t expect it to pass easily.
“I believe there’ll be significant opposition from employers and from worker’s compensation carriers simply because it’s a new cause of action that they have to deal with,” he said.
Rusche said he’s sponsoring the bill at the request of retiring House Speaker Bruce Newcomb.
– Meghann M. Cuniff
Boise
Genetic testing bill ready for House vote
Sagle GOP Sen. Joyce Broadsword’s bill to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s genetic makeup or genetic testing results passed a House committee Thursday, making approval from the full House the only thing left before the governor can sign it.
The House Business Committee approved SB 1423 on a 10-5 vote, despite suggested amendments from insurance companies and business representatives worried about potential liability.
Some lawmakers wanted to send the bill to the amending order to include the suggestions, but others worried there wasn’t enough time left in the session and the bill would never get through.
Rep. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, opposed the bill because he thinks genetic testing information could be of use to insurance companies.
“It’s a good thing for the insurance company to have that information because you can get more bang for your buck,” Nonini said.
– Meghann M. Cuniff
Grail liquor license hearing to continue
The Kootenai County Commission will reconvene on April 3 its hearing on whether to revoke The Grail’s liquor license.
The commission’s decision will ultimately determine whether the Huetter establishment can remain a bar.
The hearing was continued March 13 after the commission heard three hours of testimony from local law enforcement and Grail employees and patrons.
In January, the commission refused to renew The Grail’s liquor license, citing several violations of Idaho law, including overserving a man who was later involved in a head-on collision on Seltice Way. The Grail appealed the decision, which resulted in the commission hearing.
The meeting is at 1:30 p.m. at the Kootenai County Administration Building, 451 Government Way.
For more information, call 446-1600.
– Erica Curless