5-A.__New information.__If a claimant wishes to offer on appeal new information not presented to the compensation panel, the appeal board shall determine whether the new information is appropriate for consideration in connection with the claim.__If the appeal board determines that the new information is appropriate for consideration, it shall return the matter to the compensation panel and order that the compensation panel reconsider the claim in light of the new information.

SUMMARY

This bill contains recommendations of the Baxter Compensation Authority.

This bill requires the Baxter Compensation Authority to include in its annual report to the Governor, the Attorney General and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters information about the administrative budget and the previous year's expenses. Current law limits administrative expenses to 15% of the Baxter Compensation Authority Other Special Revenue Fund account per year. The fund balance, from which the 15% is calculated, will necessarily decrease as the compensation payments are made. This could have the effect of limiting the ability of the authority to fulfill its obligation to administer claims as they are submitted. This bill repeals the 15% limitation because the annual reporting will allow continuing oversight of the administrative budget.

This bill addresses confidentiality concerns of claimants and their families. Current law states that once a claim is submitted, the claim becomes a public record. This bill provides that certain pieces of information become public and allows public oversight of the program. The information that becomes public is the claimant's name; the claimant's eligibility for compensation; the amount of the compensation award, if an award is made; and a summary of the compensation panel's rationale for making the eligibility and award determinations. All information supporting or corroborating the claims remains confidential, although it may be released to the Attorney General, the Governor and the chairs of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the Baxter Compensation Authority.