Worker'scompensation bill for lawmakers introduced

A bill designed to clarify when lawmakers are covered by industrial insurance was introduced Friday in the Nevada Senate.

Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, said SB193 was prompted by the denial of Sen. Maurice Washington's claim for benefits after he was injured in a legislative basketball game two years ago.

Washington argued the injury was suffered during a benefit event where he was acting in his capacity as a legislator. He said industrial insurance should cover the more than $10,000 in medical and rehabilitation costs resulting from his torn Achilles tendon.

But a hearing officer disagreed and denied the claim.

"That really got me thinking and I asked (Legislative Counsel) Brenda Erdoes what are we covered for," said Schneider. "She said we're only covered when on the floor voting and, actually, only when we're being paid, which is just the first 60 days."

He said it's not fair to expose lawmakers to costs for injuries suffered in performance of their duties, so he asked for legislation that would make it clear senators and Assembly members do have industrial insurance coverage when "performing any act or engaging in any function that was reasonably related to his legislative office, his public service as a legislator or his political activities as a legislator."

He said that includes when lawmakers are attending events, conferences, political functions and other such activities where they are attending "as a legislator."

But he said it is not blanket coverage. And Schneider said there is no predicted cost to the state if the measure is passed.

SB193 was referred to the Commerce and Labor Committee for study.