SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5067

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.

Title: An act relating to changing the certified and registered mail requirements of the department of labor and industries and employment security department.

Brief Description: Changing the certified and registered mail requirements of the department of labor and industries and employment security department.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Conway and Chase; by request of Department of Labor & Industries).

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5067 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Holmquist Newbry, Ranking Minority Member; King, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hewitt, Keiser and Kline.

Background: The Department of Labor and Industries is required by statute to send out a variety of certificates, notices, and correspondences using the United States Postal Service Certified or Registered Mail. Certified mail allows the sender to receive a receipt stamped with the date of mailing. A unique article number permits delivery verification on the Internet. The recipient's signature is obtained at the time of delivery and a record is maintained by the post office. Registered mail is typically utilized for irreplaceable items and this mail is placed under security from the point of mailing to the point of delivery. Registered mail can be insured for up to $25,000 and the date and time of delivery can be verified.

Summary of Substitute Bill: For the purpose of sending a variety of notices the Department of Labor and Industries and Employment Security are permitted to utilize methods which allow for tracking mail or delivery confirmation including, but not limited to, Registered Mail, Certified Mail, and Return Receipt Requested.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This bill allows the agency to choose the most effective and cost efficient method for ensuring programs provide appropriate notice. Employment Security would like to be able to do the same thing.

House Amendment(s): Changes an additional mailing method (certified mail, return receipt, for notice to hold and deliver property belonging to an unregistered contractor assessed payment, penalties, and fines by the Department of Labor and Industries) to a method by which the mailing can be tracked or delivery confirmed.