02/24/1994 03:00 PM House L&C

  HB 302 - WORKERS COMP FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES                            
                                                                               
  Number 005                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE MIKE NAVARRE, Prime Sponsor of HB 302,                        
  offered the following sponsor statement for HB 302:                          
                                                                               
  House Bill 302 offers a solution to recreational sponsorship                 
  by saying that as long as the participation is voluntary and                 
  not a condition of employment, then no workers' compensation                 
  liability extends to the employer/sponsor.                                   
                                                                               
  Recent interpretations of law have placed generous Alaska                    
  employers in jeopardy concerning team sponsorships.                          
  Recreational activities funded by an employer, according to                  
  court interpretation, implies liability for injury that                      
  occur while the employee is participating in an optional                     
  recreational activity.  For example, an employer supplies                    
  uniforms, umpiring fees, field rental fees or other team                     
  related items.  The courts have treated that involvement as                  
  an employer-sanctioned activity.  The result has been that                   
  many employers are reluctant to increase their risk and                      
  legal exposure for a recreational activity and are less                      
  likely to support recreational leagues throughout Alaska.                    
                                                                               
  Number 059                                                                   
                                                                               
  REP. MULDER moved HB 302 with individual recommendations and                 
  zero fiscal notes.  No objections were heard; it was so                      
  ordered.