HB 2674 - DIGEST

Finds that, under federal law, the legislature may establish a self-employment assistance program as part of its unemployment insurance program.

Finds that the establishment of a self-employment assistance program would assist unemployed individuals and create new businesses and job opportunities in Washington state.

Provides that the weekly allowance payable under this act to an individual is equal to the weekly benefit amount for regular benefits otherwise payable under RCW 50.20.120. The sum of allowances paid under this act and regular benefits paid under Title 50 RCW, with respect to any benefit year, shall not exceed the maximum benefit amount under RCW 50.20.120 with respect to that benefit year.

Provides that the allowance described in this act is payable to an individual at the same intervals, on the same terms, and subject to the same conditions as regular benefits under this title, except that: (1) The requirements of RCW 50.20.010 and 50.20.080 relating to availability for work, active search for work, and refusal to accept work are not applicable to the individual;

(2) The requirements of RCW 50.20.130 relating to deductions from weekly benefit amounts are not applicable to income earned from self-employment by the individual;

(3) An individual who meets the requirements of this act is considered to be unemployed under RCW 50.04.310 and 50.20.010; and

(4) An individual who fails to participate in self-employment assistance activities or who fails to actively engage on a full-time basis in activities, which may include training, relating to the establishment of a business and becoming self-employed shall be disqualified for the week the failure occurs.