HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                    HCR 4405

Brief Description:  Establishing an interagency task force to conduct a study of contingent work force issues.

Sponsors:  Representatives Wood, Gombosky, McMorris, Conway, Hatfield, and Blalock

                  Hearing:  February 27, 1997

BACKGROUND:

Changing labor market conditions are changing the model of employment from a full-time, permanent workforce with an array of benefits to a temporary, part-time workforce who receive fewer employee benefits with less stable employment.  This changing workforce model is referred to as the contingent workforce.  No comprehensive study has been done on the impact on families and the state economy and local economies in Washington of this growing contingent workforce.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

A study on the issue of Washington=s contingent work force is requested.  The study is to be conducted by an interagency task force to include the Department of Labor and Industries, the Employment Security Department, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, the Department of Social and Health Services, and the Office of Financial Management.  The Department of Labor and Industries will be the lead agency. 

The interagency task force will be monitored and advised by a 12 member advisory committee.  Membership includes 2 members from the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, 2 members from the House of Representatives Commerce and Labor Committee, 4 representatives from a state-wide labor organization and 4 representatives from a state-wide business organization.  Members are appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Department of Labor and Industries must report the study findings and recommendations to the Senate and House Commerce and Labor Committees by December 1, 1997.  The interagency task force expires July 1, 1998.

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.