| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
ESSB 5915
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Providing unemployment and industrial insurance notices to employers.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford, Clements, Kohl-Welles and Roach).
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/22/07
Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).
Background:
Unemployment Compensation
The unemployment compensation program provides partial wage replacement benefits to covered
workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. The program is administered by the
Employment Security Department.
Employers must post notices stating that they are liable for taxes under the Employment Security
Act. The notices must provide information about how to register for work and file claims for
benefits, as well as rights to benefits. The notices are to be posted in conspicuous places close to
the actual location where the personal services are performed.
Industrial Insurance
The industrial insurance program provides medical and partial wage replacement benefits to
covered workers who are injured on the job or who develop an occupational disease. Employers
who are not self-insured must insure with the state fund operated by the Department of Labor and
Industries.
Employers must post notices stating that they are subject to the Industrial Insurance Act. The
notices must indicate whether the employer is insured with the state fund or self-insured, and
designate persons on the premises to whom reports of injury must be made.
Workers entitled to benefits must file claim applications with the Department of Labor and
Industries or self-insured employers, together with certificates of attending health services
providers. Attending providers must inform workers of their rights under the Industrial Insurance
Act and assist workers in filing claim applications. If attending health services providers file
claim applications on behalf of injured workers, providers may fax applications to the
Department of Labor and Industries. If employers have not received copies of such applications,
the Department of Labor and Industries must send copies to employers.
Summary of Bill:
When employers initially file applications for master business licenses and register to pay
unemployment insurance taxes and industrial insurance taxes, the Employment Security
Department and the Department of Labor and Industries (collectively, the "agencies") must send
employers any printed material that must be posted. Any time the printed material has
substantive changes, the agencies must send copies to employers.
If attending health services providers file claim applications on behalf of injured workers,
workers must provide written notices of claims to employers within 10 days of receiving medical
treatment. The Department of Labor and Industries must develop forms to help workers
expediently provide such notice of claims.
Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on March 14, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.