Workers' compensation premium assessment unchanged; state compensation plan shows multi‑year cost projections
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Summary
The Department of Consumer and Business Services reported the workers' compensation premium assessment rate will remain 9.8%; DCBS said the workers' benefit fund assessment will drop from $0.02 to $0.018 per hour for 2026. DAS presented multi‑year compensation plan cost projections in their consent report materials.
The committee acknowledged two agency reports on Nov. 17.
The Department of Consumer and Business Services reported the workers' compensation premium assessment rate remains unchanged at 9.8% and that the workers' benefit fund assessment will decrease from $0.02 per hour to $0.018 per hour for 2026. Matt West, administrator of the workers' compensation division, told the committee the transfer from the workers' benefit fund to the Bureau of Labor and Industries is still happening and will not affect positions.
The Department of Administrative Services presented compensation plan changes and cited projected total costs in the agency materials; the transcript lists those figures as presented in the agency materials. Committee members asked follow‑up questions about fund balance and the distribution of costs by pay band and management classifications, and LFO recommended the committee acknowledge receipt of the reports on block.
Why it matters: the premium rate affects employer costs and the workers' benefit fund balance; members asked whether lower assessment rates will affect BOLI positions and funding. Elected officials pressed agencies for follow‑up documentation and asked staff to post clarifying materials to OLIS.
Next steps: LFO recommended and the committee approved acknowledging receipt of the reports; agencies will post supporting materials and follow up in writing on members' questions.