The bill establishes a requirement for local governments in Washington to provide underinsured motorist coverage for vehicles owned by them and operated by their officers, employees, or agents during the course of their employment. This coverage must protect these individuals against damages from underinsured, hit-and-run, or phantom vehicles due to bodily injury, death, or property damage, with minimum coverage limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. The bill clarifies that this coverage does not extend to third-party occupants of government-owned vehicles and allows local governments to fulfill this requirement through various means, including contracts with private insurers or self-insurance.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to include underinsured coverage as part of the options available for local governments when forming self-insurance programs or purchasing insurance. It outlines the governance and operational structure for these self-insurance programs, including the appointment of a risk manager to handle legal processes. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 48.22.030