SB 163 Summary

• Transfers authority for making initial determinations on additional benefit claims from the commissioner to the Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council, with the commissioner hearing appeals from council denials.

• Increases the maximum allowance for any single injury or disablement from $2,500 to $10,000.

• Increases the maximum allowance for any single heart attack claim from $2,500 to $10,000.

• Allows vessel owners to recover up to 50 percent of their protection and indemnity insurance policy deductible (capped at $5,000) when an injured fisherman files claims against both the fishermen's fund and the vessel owner's insurance.

• Takes effect immediately upon enactment, with new procedures applying to applications submitted on or after the effective date and pending applications resolved under prior law.