PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Adopt rules to implement changes contained in chapter 4, Laws of 2003 2nd sp.s. (2ESB 6097) to the unemployment compensation program. For unemployment benefits, the rules will clarify requirements related to part-time workers, modify provisions regarding partially unemployed workers, define terms, and make housekeeping changes necessary to update existing rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50.12.010, 50.12.040, and 50.12.042.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The legislation authorizes the payment of benefits for the first time to certain individuals seeking only part-time work. Rules are needed to clarify eligibility requirements for these workers. Rules concerning partially unemployed workers will be revised to clarify the distinction between this population and part-time workers eligible for unemployment benefits under RCW 50.20.119.
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 intends to hold informal meetings with stakeholders and interested parties to obtain input on the proposed rules.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Persons interested in attending meetings to discuss the proposed rules should contact 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.
October 19, 2004
Dr. Sylvia P. Mundy
Commissioner