PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department will adopt rules to implement chapter 247, Laws of 2009 (SB 5804) concerning claimants who quit part-time work.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50.12.010, 50.12.040, and 50.20.010.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The rules are necessary to clarify the conditions under which an individual who quits a part-time job for reasons other than those enumerated in RCW 50.20.050(2) may be eligible for benefits.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) reviews the state's administration of the unemployment insurance program to ensure conformity to federal statutes and regulations. The state has broad flexibility in the implementation of unemployment insurance laws as long as conformity is maintained. The proposed regulations will be shared with USDOL prior to adoption.
Process for Developing New Rule: Proposed rules will be shared with stakeholders identified in the rule-making process, input solicited from stakeholders, and all written comments considered in the development of the final rules.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Juanita Myers, Unemployment Insurance Rules Coordinator, Employment Security Department, P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046, phone (360) 902-9665, fax (360) 902-9799, e-mail jmyers@esd.wa.gov. Please include your name, organization (if any), mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number.
June 30, 2009
Karen T. Lee
Commissioner