SB 6298 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Declares that an unemployed individual is eligible to participate in a self-employment assistance program if it has been determined that he or she:  (1) Is otherwise eligible for regular unemployment benefits as defined in RCW 50.22.010(5);

     (2) has been identified as likely to exhaust regular unemployment benefits under a profiling system established by the commissioner as defined in P.L. 103-152;

     (3) is enrolled in a self-employment assistance program that is approved by the commissioner, and includes entrepreneurial training, business counseling, and technical assistance; and

     (4) is actively engaged on a full-time basis in activities relating to the establishment of a business and becoming self-employed.  The self-employment assistance program administrators will determine whether the claimant is engaged on a full-time basis.

     Provides that individuals participating in a self-employment assistance program approved by the commissioner are eligible to receive a self-employment allowance in lieu of regular benefits, payable in the same weekly benefit amount, at the same interval, on the same terms, and subject to the same conditions as regular unemployment benefits, with exceptions.