SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6042

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1994

Brief Description:  Revising provisions relating to the employer reporting program of the office of support enforcement.

SPONSORS: Senators Wojahn, Bauer, Oke, West and Winsley; by request of Legislative Budget Committee

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates: February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The Employer Reporting Program requires employers in designated industries to report information on new hires to the Office of Support Enforcement (OSE).  This information is used by OSE to collect child support.  If information is received regarding an employee from whom the department is not collecting support, the department is required to destroy it.

In 1992, the Legislative Budget Committee prepared a report regarding the Employer Reporting Program.  The report included a recommendation that the Office of Financial Management examine the costs and benefits of sharing employer reporting data with other state agencies.  It has been suggested that the statute be amended to allow OSE to disclose information received from employers to other state agencies.

SUMMARY:

Upon written request by a state agency, the Department of Social and Health Services shall make available employer reporting information.  The use of this information by the requesting agency is limited to:  (1) comparison with records of the requesting agency to detect improper or fraudulent claims; (2) determining potential tax liability; or (3) determining employer compliance with registration and licensing requirements.  After comparison, if no such situation is found or suspected, the requesting agency must destroy the information.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 26, 1994