SB 5653-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that the establishment of a self-employment assistance program would assist unemployed individuals and create new businesses and job opportunities in Washington state. The department shall inform individuals identified as likely to exhaust regular unemployment benefits of the opportunity to enroll in commissioner-approved self-employment assistance programs.

Declares that an unemployed individual is eligible to participate in a self-employment assistance program if it has been determined that he or she: (1) Is otherwise eligible for regular benefits as defined in RCW 50.22.010;

(2) Has been identified as likely to exhaust regular unemployment benefits under a profiling system established by the commissioner as defined in P.L. 103-152; and

(3) Is enrolled in a self-employment assistance program that is approved by the commissioner, and includes entrepreneurial training, business counseling, technical assistance, and requirements to engage in activities relating to the establishment of a business and becoming self-employed.

Provides that, by December 1, 2011, the employment security department shall report to the house of representatives commerce and labor committee and the senate labor, commerce, research and development committee on the performance of the self-employment assistance program. The report shall include an analysis of the following: (1) Self-employment impacts;

(2) Wage and salary outcomes;

(3) Benefit payment outcomes; and

(4) A cost-benefit analysis.