Source: https://www.azica.gov/divisions/legal-division
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 08:43:05+00:00

Document:
Click to report an employer who does not carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Click here for the Sole Proprietor/Independent Contractor Statement.
Click for Phone List of ICA Divisions.
Our mission is to further the strategic goals of the Industrial Commission of Arizona by: (1) skillfully managing the Commission’s legal affairs; (2) providing timely and reliable legal advice and services that foster sound decision-making in all areas of operation; (3) proactively pursuing collection efforts; (4) promoting business compliance with workers’ compensation coverage laws; and (5) recommending appropriate policies, practices, and procedures that minimize risk.
We strive to be a top-tier government legal department by consistently delivering skillful, ethical, and effective services to the Industrial Commission of Arizona. We endeavor to exceed client expectations by: (1) promptly responding to client needs; and (2) managing the Commission’s legal affairs in an efficient, professional, and proactive manner. We are committed to investing in our people, developing industry-leading expertise, and cultivating a happy, engaged workforce.
The Legal Division consists of three units: (1) Legal; (2) Compliance; and (3) Collections. Working together, these units provide effective legal representation to the Commission.
Providing legal advice and transactional support to the Commission, Commissioners, Director, and Division Managers on a variety of subjects.
Subject to limited exceptions for self-insured employers, Arizona law requires that employers maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. A workers’ compensation insurance policy must be purchased from an insurance carrier that is licensed to issue workers’ compensation insurance in Arizona. See A.R.S. § 23-961(A). The Commission is tasked with enforcing A.R.S. § 23-961(A) and the Legal Division’s Compliance Unit identifies, investigates, and recommends action in matters involving employers that do not comply with the statute.
Employers who are not in compliance with the law may be assessed a civil penalty in the amount of $1,000.00 pursuant to A.R.S § 23-907(I). If an employer has been assessed a civil penalty for non-compliance in the past 5 years, the penalty can increase to $5,000.00. If an employer has been assessed more than 2 civil penalties in the past 5 years, the penalty for non-compliance can increase to $10,000.00. See A.R.S. § 23-907(J). Furthermore, in the event an employer refuses to comply with Arizona law by obtaining workers’ compensation insurance coverage, the Industrial Commission is authorized to seek an injunction that will force the business to cease its operations until the business complies with the provisions of Arizona law. See A.R.S § 23-907(F).
The Commission may also refer compliance matters to the Office of the Attorney General or to another law enforcement authority for prosecution of a Class 6 Felony. See A.R.S § 23-932.
The Collections Unit represents the Commission in the collection of all monies owed to the Commission and the State of Arizona. Collections are pursued against: (1) uninsured employers for which Special Fund pays workers’ compensation benefits; (2) employers that have been assessed penalties for OSHA violations; (3) employers that have been assessed penalties for wage, earned paid sick time, or child labor violations; and (4) employers who have been assessed civil penalties for failing to maintain worker's compensation insurance.
The Legal Division will, when appropriate, refer collections matters to the Office of the Attorney General, Tax Section, or outside legal counsel. The Legal Division can, and will, use all legally-permissible collections methods to achieve superior collections results for the Commission and the State of Arizona.
The Legal Division of the Industrial Commission does not provide legal or accounting advice to the public. Materials and information provided by the Legal Division is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal or accounting advice from a qualified attorney or accountant. You should always consult a qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter.

References: § 23
 § 23
 § 23
 § 23
 § 23
 § 23