AZ HB2176

Repeals sections 23-1005 and 23-1006, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to the state compensation fund.

Establishes a special fund under section 23-1065 to handle workers' compensation claims when insurance carriers fail to comply with payment or processing requirements, replacing the previous role of the state compensation fund for these purposes.

Removes references to the state compensation fund as a mandatory workers' compensation insurer in sections 20-363, 23-961, 23-962, 23-963, 23-966, 23-1070, and 23-1091, treating it like other private insurance carriers.

Makes conforming changes throughout Arizona Revised Statutes to replace "state compensation fund" language with "special fund" or "insurance carrier" in workers' compensation statutes.

Effective January 1, 2013 for most provisions, with section 20-367 (workers' compensation appeals board) made retroactively effective to July 1, 2010.