SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1493
As of March 12, 2021
Title: An act relating to job search monitoring.
Brief Description: Concerning job search monitoring.
Sponsors: House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards (originally sponsored by Representatives Sells, Berry, Pollet and Ormsby).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/24/21, 93-3.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs: 3/15/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows the Employment Security Department (ESD) to direct the required evidence of job search activities for unemployment insurance claimants until December 31, 2023.
  • Removes the requirement for in-person job search activities beginning on January 1, 2024.
  • Requires ESD to report to the Legislature detailing the impacts of any flexibilities used in claimant job search methods, monitoring, and outcomes.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Staff: Susan Jones (786-7404)
Background:

An unemployed individual is eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits (UI benefits) if the individual:  (1) worked at least 680 hours in the base year; (2) was separated from employment through no fault of the claimant's or quit work for good cause; and (3) is able to work, available to work, and is actively searching for suitable work.  The Employment Security Department (ESD) administers Washington State's unemployment insurance program.
 
To ensure that following the initial application for benefits, a claimant is actively engaged in searching for work, ESD has a job search monitoring program.  An individual who has received five or more weeks of benefits must provide evidence of seeking work for each week beyond five in which a claim is filed.  The evidence must demonstrate contacts with at least three employers per week or documented in-person job search activities at the local reemployment center at least three times per week. 
 
An individual who fails to comply fully with the requirements for actively seeking work loses all benefits for all weeks during which the individual was not in compliance, and the individual is liable for repayment of all the benefits. 
 
Governor's Proclamation 20-30 and proclamation extensions suspended job search requirements in March 2020.  Since then, claimants have not been required to report job search activities and ESD has not monitored job search activities.  SCR 8402, passed on January 15, 2021, extends the statutory waivers of Proclamation 20-30 until the termination of the state of emergency or until rescinded by the Governor or the Legislature. 
Summary of Bill:

Until December 31, 2023, ESD may direct the required evidence of job search activities to meet the intent of rigorous reemployment efforts.  Beginning on January 1, 2024, the job search evidence must continue to demonstrate contacts with a least three employers per week or documented job search activities with the local reemployment centers at least three times per week.  In-person job search activities are not required.  
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.