FINAL BILL REPORT

                  ESB 5770

                         PARTIAL VETO

                          C 381 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing for unemployment insurance claimant profiling.

Sponsors:  Senators Pelz, Newhouse and Deccio; by request of Employment Security Department.

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  Federal law was amended last year to require states to identify unemployment insurance claimants who are likely to exhaust their unemployment benefits and who need help finding employment.  Those who fail to use available reemployment services, without justifiable cause, are to be denied benefits for the week of the failure.

Summary:  If an unemployed worker fits the profile of workers likely to exhaust regular benefits, the individual must participate in reemployment services in order to receive benefits.  This requirement does not apply if the individual completes the services, or if the Commissioner of Employment Security finds that there is justifiable cause for nonparticipation.

The Employment Security Department's requirements relating to commissioner approved training are modified.  If an individual fits the department's profile of unemployed workers who are likely to exhaust their benefits, and is satisfactorily progressing in a training program approved by the commissioner, the individual is considered to be in training with the approval of the commissioner.  These individuals, as well as dislocated workers, must be provided with information concerning the opportunity to receive unemployment insurance benefits while in training.

The department is required to collect and review follow-up information relating to the services provided individuals who fit the profile of exhaustees.  The department may contract with public or private entities in conducting reviews and may disclose information or records as necessary.  Any unauthorized use of confidential information subjects an individual to a $5,000 penalty.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    44 0

House     96 0 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

Conference Committee

House     94 0

Senate    43 2

Effective:  May 16, 1995

Partial Veto Summary:  The provisions relating to commissioner approved training are deleted.