Industrial Commission Proposes Increase in Assessments

Arizona State’s Special Fund, which pays for vocational rehabilitation along with claims involving preexisting injuries, has exceeded its $6 million reserve, prompting the Industrial Commission to propose a 0.5% levy on premium assessments.    Last year, the commission voted to reduce the Special Fund Assessment to .75% from 1.14%, including a .58% charge to cover Special Fund liabilities.  Arizona Revised Statute § 23-1065 allows the commission to levy assessments on private and self-insurers “not to exceed 1% of all premiums,” and should only be done t...