SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6422

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

              Commerce & Labor, January 29, 1998

Title:  An act relating to support for collaborative efforts toward worker reemployment.

Brief Description:  Providing support for collaborative efforts toward worker reemployment.

Sponsors:  Senators Schow, Heavey and Winsley; by request of Employment Security Department.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce & Labor:  1/19/98, 1/29/98 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6422 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Schow, Chair; Horn, Vice Chair; Franklin, Fraser and Heavey.

Staff:  Patrick Woods (786-7430)

Background:  Under a new federal initiative termed AOne Stop Career System,@ state and local employment and training programs are strongly encouraged to enhance their level of collaboration, in order to better serve their customers and maximize program efficiency.  The current array of major service providers within the AOne Stop@ partnership include welfare agencies, the Employment Security Department, private industry councils and community colleges.  At the present time, there are eight full-service AOne-Stop Career Centers,@ with additional centers at various stages in the planning process.

A major area for improving program efficiency and customer service that has been identified by AOne Stop@ partners is the ready exchange of common data.  However, the Employment Security Department=s ability to share data is limited by state statute.  The Employment Security Department is requesting legislative authorization to share client information between the various partners of the AOne Stop Career System.@

Summary of Substitute Bill:  In order to promote the reemployment of jobseekers, the Commissioner of Employment Security may enter into data-sharing contracts with AOne-Stop Career System@ partners.  The contract authorization for data sharing is specifically limited to data sharing that  is necessary in order to:  1) provide efficient employment and training services; and 2) the evaluation of program outcomes.

Information that is provided to a AOne Stop Career System@ partner must be maintained in a private and confidential manner.  Individuals requesting disclosure of shared information must make their requests to the Department of Employment Security.  A civil penalty of $5,000 is provided for the unauthorized release of claimant or employer information.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute provides for a civil penalty of $5,000 for unauthorized release of information regarding claimants or employers.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 15, 1998.

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

Testimony For:  This bill will streamline customer service and is very important to the success of the AOne Stop Career Center@ in Washington.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Dennis Cole, Employment Security Department (pro); Clif Finch, Norm Raffaell, AWB (pro w/amend.).