2nd Wash. House Workers Comp Floor Motion Fails

Washington Republicans attempted again a procedural motion on the House floor that would have allowed a vote on a Senate bill establishing the option of settlements to workers compensation, but failed to get the votes necessary. The motion was defeated 41-51.

Four of eight Democrats who released their own proposal on establishing settlements on workers’ compensation abstained from voting, an unusual move in the House.

The motion all but seals work in the regular session on the business-backed bill.

Supporters of the bill want Gov. Chris Gregoire to make workers’ compensation an issue for the special session. She indicated that earlier this session.

Organized labor has steadfastly opposed settlements, saying that they strip a safety net from injured workers.