PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Extended unemployment benefits.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50.12.010, 50.12.040, and 50.20.010.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 50.22 RCW authorizes the payment of extended unemployment benefits. Currently, previously and, we anticipate, in future the federal government authorizes the payment of emergency unemployment benefits. These rules determine how the payment of extended benefits will be coordinated with the payment of emergency unemployment compensation under federal law.
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 agency will consult with stakeholders in the development of these regulations. Individuals interested in participating in this rule-making process should contact the department at the address listed below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting 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.
June 19, 2009
Paul Trause
Deputy Commissioner