HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5056

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.

As Passed House:

April 15, 2013

Title: An act relating to the submission of new master applications by persons seeking work permits for the employment of minors.

Brief Description: Allowing a person to apply for a work permit for the employment of minors without completing a new master application under certain circumstances.

Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Keiser, Shin and Hewitt.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Labor & Workforce Development: 3/14/13, 3/26/13 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 4/15/13, 95-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Permits a person to obtain a minor work permit by completing only certain portions of the master business license application.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Sells, Chair; Manweller, Ranking Minority Member; Condotta, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Holy, Moeller, Ormsby and Short.

Staff: Alexa Silver (786-7190).

Background:

To start or change a business, a person must file a master business license application with the Department of Revenue. A new application is required when a business hires employees, obtains a new specialty license, changes ownership, adds a new location, changes its trade name, or changes unemployment insurance or industrial insurance coverage. The application contains information about the business's ownership, location, products and services, gross income, and employment. The employment section of the application includes: the date of first planned employment; the number of employees; an estimated number of minors who will be employed in the following 12 months and the duties they will perform; a description of the business's major operation and workers' activities; and workers' estimated hours for a three-month period.

Hiring an employee under the age of 18 requires an employer to obtain a minor work permit, which is part of the business license application.

The fee to file a business license application is $15. Specialty licenses obtained through the business licensing service must be renewed annually.

Summary of Bill:

To obtain a minor work permit, a person is not required to complete a new master business license application if there are no changes to the information submitted on the most recent application. Instead, the person must complete the portions of the application that identify the employer and indicate that the employer plans to employ minors, the duties that minors will perform, and the estimated hours that minors will work.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Employers have indicated that filling out the entire master business license application is an impediment to hiring young people. This bill pares down the required information to only what is essential. It will create an opportunity for young people to work and develop skills.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Honeyford, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.