PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amend WAC 192-36-010, 192-36-020, and 192-36-020 [192-36-025], and adopt additional rules for administration of the shared work program. The rules will modify eligibility requirements for employers and participants applying for the shared work program, clarify expectations of participating employers, address the number of consecutive plans an employer may have, and define terms.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50.12.010, 50.12.040, and 50.60.901.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: A comprehensive review of chapter 192-36 WAC indicates rule making is required to ensure the program is being administered in a manner that is consistent with legislative intent, reflects current policy and procedures, and meets the needs of participating employers. The rules will accomplish this by clarifying eligibility requirements and departmental expectations for participating employers and claimant participants.
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: The department will hold meetings with stakeholders and interested parties to obtain input on the new and amended regulations.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Persons interested in attending meeting(s) to participate in the development of the proposed rules should contact Juanita Myers, UI 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.
May 6, 2003
Dr. Sylvia P. Mundy
Commissioner