SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6226

                    As of January 12, 2000

Title:  An act relating to unemployment compensation and disqualification for refusing to take or failing a substance abuse test.

Brief Description:  Disqualifying an individual from receiving unemployment compensation.

Sponsors:  Senators Morton, Hochstatter and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor & Workforce Development:  1/11/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786-7667)

Background:  Failure to accept suitable work when offered disqualifies an individual from collecting unemployment insurance benefits.  An individual who fails or refuses to take a preemployment drug test may continue to receive unemployment compensation.

Summary of Bill:  An offer of work that is contingent upon taking or passing a substance abuse test is considered an offer of work for purposes of denying unemployment insurance benefits.  The test must be conducted in accordance with the Department of Labor and Industries Drug-Free Workplace Program.  If an individual is offered work that is contingent on passing other qualifying tests or physical exams and fails or refuses to take such tests or exams, the offer is not considered an offer of work for purposes of denying unemployment insurance benefits.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect on July 2, 2000.