Senate unanimously approves Angel bills for non-profits, grief counseling
Published 12:28 pm Wednesday, February 25, 2015
OLYMPIA — The Senate unanimously approved two measures introduced by Sen. Jan Angel, R-Port Orchard, to help non-profit organizations pool resources and to add grief counseling to allowable non-insurance benefits on Feb. 25.
Senate Bill 5119 would allow the option for nonprofits to enter into joint self-insurance programs and provide services with other non-profits outside the state.Senate Bill 5581 adds grief counseling and other services to life insurance benefits.
“Senate Bill 5119 is a fully vetted fix to address the changing challenges facing non-profits in Washington,” said Angel. “Local non-profits such as Paratransit in Bremerton are looking for this flexibility in order to maintain stability of services and pool resources for those who need it most. I’m very pleased the Senate advanced this common sense solution.”
Passage of the bill would result in non-profits being able to provide consistent and increased services by pooling resources with similar organizations across state lines.
Paratransit in Bremerton has expressed interest in a non-emergency call center for medical transportation, but needs to pool resources in order to provide consistent and comprehensive service. The state Auditor and Office of the Insurance Commissioner vetted this bill without concerns.
Senate Bill 5581 adds grief counseling, will preparation, financial and estate planning, probate and estate settlement and other services to those allowed to be offered as life insurance benefits. Insurers worked to include these services for group policies with Angel and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, resulting in this legislation.
“Often family and friends don’t know what help is needed when a loved one is lost,” said Angel. “I experienced this struggle personally when my previous husband passed away. These benefits are allowed in many other states already. It’s time we allow this change in Washington.”
Senate Bills 5119 and 5581 now move toward approval in the House.
