12-1909-5063 
 
House Information Office Room 505, Legislative Office Building 
18 Capitol Square Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800 
December 15, 2003 
 
Subsequent Injury Trust Fund up for Discussion 
Interested Parties Voice Opinions before Lawmakers 
Atlanta  Members of the House Industrial Relations Committee recently held a meeting on HB 570 which would dissolve the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund. Created in 1977, the fund pays unemployment benefits to disabled employees who are subsequently injured at work. 
 
House lawmakers heard testimony from several groups. Those in favor of the legislation say elimination of the fund, which has a current operating budget of $2 million, will save the state money. They also said the Workers Compensation Board can handle these claims and many companies are paying large assessments and receiving very little in return. 
 
"Our members are the largest customer of the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund and we are very dissatisfied," said Bill Meyer of the Home Builders Insurance Group. "Last year we paid $3 million to the fund and got back $1.4 million in claims. Although the intentions were good the fund is not helpful." 
 
However, Holly Snow of the Georgia Hospital Association who opposes the legislation stated, "Over a 17 year period we have accessed $7 million from the fund which has helped reduce the costs of premiums for small rural hospitals. We have also been able to hire handicapped citizens which has curbed our workforce shortage." 
 
In conclusion, Representative Mickey Channell, Chairman of the House Industrial Relations Committee said, "I'd like to thank everyone for coming to the meeting and participating. We were able to gather a great deal of information which will help us make the best decision." 
 
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For further information please contact Rep. Channell at 404-463-7853