HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                     HB 3021

Brief Description:  Requiring proof of seeking work for unemployment compensation benefits.

Sponsors:  Representatives Boldt, McMorris, Honeyford, Thompson and Mulliken.

                  Hearing:  February 4, 1998

BACKGROUND:

In order to remain eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, an unemployed individual must be actively seeking work according to customary trade practices or as directed by the Commissioner or the Commissioner=s agent.  There is no requirement for claimants to submit to the department a list of employer contacts with each weekly filing for benefits, but claimants must certify that they are conducting a search for work for each week in which benefits are claimed.

The Employment Security Department is responsible for monitoring claimants who are receiving benefits to verify that the claimant is conducting an active search for work.  The claimant must be able to provide details of work search activity when requested.  The Department may specifically direct an individual=s work search efforts.  A claimant who does not meet this requirement is subject to loss of benefits, typically for the week during which the work search requirement is not met.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

The work search requirement for continued eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits is further defined.  An individual who has received five or more weeks of benefits must provide evidence of a search for work as directed by the Commissioner or the Commissioner=s agents.  For each week beyond five weeks, such evidence must show at least three different employer contacts with the employer=s acknowledgment that the individual sought work with that employer.

RULES AUTHORITY:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule making powers of an agency.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.