WSR 14-14-043

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed June 25, 2014, 9:20 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 192-180 WAC, Job search requirements and WAC 192-110-015 Applications by standby workers.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50.12.010 and 50.12.040.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The amendments to chapter 192-180 WAC will clarify the process by which the department monitors unemployment claimants' job search activities. The amendment to WAC 192-110-015 will modify some conditions under which requests for standby may be approved. The changes will provide more clarity to all parties and assist the department by modifying processes in view of dramatically reduced funding levels.

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 proposed rules will be shared with stakeholders identified in the rule-making process. We will solicit input from stakeholders and consider all comments in the development of the final rules.

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 Manager, Employment Security Department, P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046, fax (360) 902-9200, e-mail jmyers@esd.wa.gov. Please include your name, organization (if any), mailing address, e-mail address and phone number.

June 20, 2014

Lisa Marsh

Deputy Commissioner