Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

     (1) "Local government entity" or "entity" means every unit of local government, both general purpose and special purpose, and includes, but is not limited to, counties, cities, towns, port districts, public utility districts, water-sewer districts, school districts, fire protection districts, irrigation districts, metropolitan municipal corporations, conservation districts, and other political subdivisions, governmental subdivisions, municipal corporations, and quasi-municipal corporations.

     (2) "Risk assumption" means a decision to absorb the entity's financial exposure to a risk of loss without the creation of a formal program of advance funding of anticipated losses.

     (3) "Self-insurance" means a formal program of advance funding and management of entity financial exposure to a risk of loss that is not transferred through the purchase of an insurance policy or contract.

     (4) "Health and welfare benefits" means a plan or program established by a local government entity or entities for the purpose of providing its employees and their dependents, and in the case of school districts, its district employees, students, directors, or any of their dependents, with health care, accident, disability, death, and salary protection benefits.

     (5) "Property and liability risks" includes the risk of property damage or loss sustained by a local government entity and the risk of claims arising from the tortious or negligent conduct or any error or omission of the local government entity, its officers, employees, agents, or volunteers as a result of which a claim may be made against the local government entity.

     (6) "State risk manager" means the risk manager of the risk management division within the office of financial management.

     (7) "Nonprofit corporation" or "corporation" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 24.03.005(3).

[2004 c 255 § 2; 2002 c 332 § 24; 1999 c 153 § 60; 1991 sp.s. c 30 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent -- 2004 c 255: See note following RCW 48.62.036.

     Intent -- Effective date -- 2002 c 332: See notes following RCW 43.41.280.

     Part headings not law -- 1999 c 153: See note following RCW 57.04.050.