Hanford presumption bill sent to governor
Washington state lawmakers delivered to Gov. Jay Inslee a bill that would create a presumption that all workers exposed to hazardous waste at the Hanford nuclear reservation would be covered for certain conditions.
S.B. 5890 would update the presumption created in 2018 that covers conditions including respiratory disease, beryllium disease, and neurological or heart conditions experienced within 72 hours of exposure to fumes or chemicals.
The bill would repeal statutory language that limits application of the presumption to U.S. Department of Energy workers. The Justice Department in a lawsuit currently pending before the Supreme Court is arguing that the current presumption illegally discriminates against the federal government.
The Senate voted 32-17 to pass SB 5890 on Feb. 12. The state House of Representatives voted 68-27 to pass the bill on March 2.
WorkCompCentral is a sister publication of Business Insurance. More stories here.
