HB 92-FISHERMEN'S FUND: VESSEL OWNER CLAIMS  4:11:11 PM VICE CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 92, "An Act relating to claims against protection and indemnity insurance policies of vessel owners." [Before the committee, adopted as a working document on 3/14/23, was the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 92, Version 33-LS0520\B, Marx, 3/9/23 ("Version B").] 4:11:43 PM REPRESENTATIVE VANCE stated that Version B would increase the cap for vessel reimbursement claims to $15,000 for crewmembers and vessel owners. She noted that the change is supported by the industry and would not cause long-term issues for the fund. 4:12:58 PM REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether coverage for treatment for COVID-19 was covered by Version B. REPRESENTATIVE VANCE responded that this had been discussed but was not recommended by the Fisherman's Fund Council. 4:13:39 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK asked why COVID-19 is not included. REPRESENTATIVE VANCE answered that no federal funding is available to cover these expenses, and the Fishermen's Fund is a pre-statehood account, and the council has sought to keep with its original intent. She stated that illnesses contracted while at sea are covered under maritime law; however, adding COVID-19 to the list of conditions covered by the fund would discourage stronger insurance coverage. 4:15:48 PM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether any money from the state goes to the fund. REPRESENTATIVE VANCE answered no. In response to a follow-up question, she agreed that the proposed bill would allow the fund's council to do as it wishes. 4:17:05 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER moved to report CSHB 92, Version 33- LS0520\B, Marx, 3/9/23, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 92(FSH) was reported from the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.