HB 1685

As of July 1, 2027, this bill requires, if a construction services provider obtains a zero estimated exposure policy, the provider to provide written notification to all entities it directly contracts with to provide or perform building construction or improvement services of the provider's total estimated exposure of zero and provide a copy of the policy. As used in this bill, a "zero estimated exposure policy"" means a policy of insurance that a construction services provider obtains to cover the provider's liability to pay compensation under the Workers' Compensation Law after reporting the total estimated exposure is zero. This bill requires, when an entity receives the notification described above, the entity to maintain the written notification and policy provided for three years from the date the notification and policy were received. However, a homeowner contracting f or the construction of a single-family residence or improvements to the homeowner's primary residence is not required to retain the written notification. This bill requires each insurer to require with, or as part of, each completed application for a zero estimated exposure policy a statement signed by the applicant attesting to the accuracy of the information on the application, including the applicant's absence of employees and estimated exposure of zero. The attestation must also include the statement described in this bill. EMPLOYERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE Present law authorizes the administrator of the bureau of workers' compensation to request and obtain information regarding employer workers ' compensation insurance policies in order to ensure compliance with the Workers' Compensation Law. Generally, an y information relating to such policies obtained by the administrator is deemed confidential and does not constitute a public record. However, such information may be used by any state agency, or vendor designated by the state, for the purpose of ensurin g compliance with the Workers' Compensation Law. Additionally, the following information obtained by the administrator does constitute a public record and must be open for personal inspection by any citizen of this state:  Employer name and business address.  Workers' compensation insurance carrier name and business address.  Workers' compensation insurance policy number, policy effective date, policy expiration date, policy cancellation date, and policy reinstatement date. This bill adds to the above list, for construction services providers, the provider's total estimated exposure amount for a zero estimated exposure policy and the provider's reported classification codes for a zero estimated exposure policy."