Legislature 2008: Workers' Compensation

Legislators are pressing ahead with a bid to more closely scrutinize West Virginia's workers' compensation system as it rolls toward full privatization.

The state's insurance commissioner is fleshing out the rules, policies and guidelines through which this form of insurance would operate in a free market.

The Associated Press reports on the latest stab to fashion a bill that would have lawmakers ride herd during that process.

Critics include Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline, who warns of a potential "chilling effect" on privatization efforts.

And Gov. Joe Manchin wants the Legislature instead to wait a year or two before making any such changes, The Register-Herald reports.

The Beckley newspaper also covered Sunday's interim action on the topic.