HB 2947-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Finds that, unless clarified, Washington's unemployment compensation law may be out of conformity with the federal unemployment tax act, which finding poses a significant economic risk to the state's private employers and to the administration of the state's unemployment insurance system.

     Finds that some instructional staff at the state's educational institutions receive an appointment of employment for an indefinite period while others may face circumstances that do not provide a reasonable expectation of employment during an ensuing academic year or term.

     Declares an intent that the employment security department continue to make determinations of educational employees' eligibility for unemployment compensation for the period between academic years or terms based on a finding of reasonable assurance that the employee will have employment for the ensuing academic year or term and that the determination in each employee's case is made on an individual basis, consistent with federal guidelines.

     Declares that an "academic year" includes fall, winter,  spring, and summer quarters and comparable semesters unless, based upon objective criteria including enrollment and staffing, it is not in fact a part of the academic year for the particular institution.