SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5772

                    As of February 14, 1995

Title:  An act relating to disqualification from unemployment compensation.

Brief Description:  Providing for disqualification from unemployment compensation for certain felonies or gross misdemeanors.

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

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  2/16/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Staff:  Patrick Woods (786-7430)

Background:  In 1993, the Legislature unintentionally modified a portion of unemployment insurance (UI) law allowing some UI claimants that are discharged for gross misdemeanors or felonies to receive UI benefits.

The department requests legislation to address this issue.

Summary of Bill: Unemployment insurance claimants that are discharged for a felony or gross misdemeanor connected with their work are denied UI benefits.  In addition, all hourly wage credits based on that employer is cancelled.

The denial is limited to five weeks and until the individual earns wages equal to five times his or her weekly benefit amount. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 10, 1995.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.