WSR 97-16-010

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT

[Filed July 25, 1997, 2:38 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amend chapter 192-32 WAC, Timber retraining benefits and related programs, to comply with amended statute, and add new sections to chapter 192-33 WAC.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: All sections: RCW 50.12.010 Commissioner's duties and powers and 50.12.040 Rule-making authority.

Chapter 192-32 WAC only: RCW 50.20.010 Benefit eligibility conditions and 50.22.090 Additional benefit period for rural natural resources impact areas.

WAC 192-33-005 only: RCW 50.70.010 Definitions.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The 1997 legislature passed 2SHB 1201, amending the statutes which provide special unemployment insurance benefits to dislocated forest products workers and finfishers, and extending the program to June 30, 2000. Chapter 192-32 WAC will be modified to reflect the amended statute, including eligibility for unemployment benefits and procedures for approval of training for dislocated forest products workers and finfishers. New sections will be added to chapter 192-33 WAC clarifying persons eligible for services under RCW 50.12.270 Rural natural resources impact area--Training and services program, and chapter 50.70 RCW, Programs for dislocated forest products workers.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Labor 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 the United States Department of Labor Region X staff prior to adoption.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department intends to hold meetings with stakeholders, interested parties, and significantly affected persons to seek their input in the formulation of regulations.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Persons interested in participating in public meetings to discuss the proposed regulatory changes may contact Juanita Myers, Employment Security Department, Unemployment Insurance Division Policy Unit, P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046, phone (360) 902-9665, or FAX (360) 902-9799.

July 23, 1997

Carver Gayton