(1) The general assembly recognizes that the general liability and automobile liability insurance policies of the state of Colorado have been canceled, that no responsive bids were received, and that, as a direct result, the governor called an extraordinary session of the general assembly to address the need for a method to protect the state and its employees against claims brought under the "Colorado Governmental Immunity Act", article 10 of this title, and arising under federal law. The general assembly further recognizes that the consequences of uninsured liability of the state, including failure to respond to meritorious claims in a timely fashion and greater ultimate costs of settlement caused by failure to investigate claims in an orderly and timely manner, are undesirable. The general assembly hereby declares, therefore, that the appropriate remedy is to create a reserve fund for purposes of self-insurance of the state. The general assembly declares that the purpose of this part 15 is to create a self-insurance fund, provide a mechanism for claims adjustment, investigation, and defense, and authorize the settlement and payment of claims and the payment of judgments rendered against the state. The general assembly also recognizes that no responsible bids have been received for property insurance policies for the state of Colorado and that a method for covering loss or damage to state property is needed. The general assembly hereby declares that the appropriate remedy is to create a reserve for purposes of self-insurance of the state for loss or damage to state property. The general assembly declares that its intent is to explore, on an annual basis, the availability of commercial liability insurance policies and property damage insurance policies, considering the possibility that the insurance industry can provide coverage in the future that is less expensive than the costs of operating a risk management system and paying for claims out of the risk management fund and out of the self- insured property fund. (2) The general assembly recognizes that liability claims arising prior to September 15, 1985, exist for which no commercial insurance coverage is available. The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the risk management system will provide an appropriate remedy for such claims and that the department of personnel should be authorized to administer such claims. (3) The general assembly also recognizes that the provision of workers' compensation insurance for state employees has become expensive. The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the administration of workers' compensation for state employees out of a separate account in the risk management fund as a self-insurance measure is an appropriate response to the high cost of workers' compensation insurance.
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