SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5067

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection, January 24, 2011

Title: An act relating to changing the department of labor and industries certified and registered mail requirements.

Brief Description: Changing the department of labor and industries certified and registered mail requirements.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5067 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Holmquist Newbry, Ranking Minority Member; King, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hewitt, Keiser and Kline.

Background: The Department of Labor and Industries is required by statute to send out a variety of certificates, notices, and correspondences using the United States Postal Service Certified or Registered Mail. Certified mail allows the sender to receive a receipt stamped with the date of mailing. A unique article number permits delivery verification on the Internet. The recipient's signature is obtained at the time of delivery and a record is maintained by the post office. Registered mail is typically utilized for irreplaceable items and this mail is placed under security from the point of mailing to the point of delivery. Registered mail can be insured for up to $25,000 and the date and time of delivery can be verified.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): For the purpose of sending a variety of notices the Department of Labor and Industries and Employment Security are permitted to utilize methods which allow for tracking mail or delivery confirmation including, but not limited to, Registered Mail, Certified Mail, and Return Receipt Requested.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The Employment Security Department is added to the bill as being permitted to utilize methods which allow for tracking mail or delivery confirmation including, but not limited to, Registered Mail, Certified Mail, and Return Receipt Requested.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This bill allows the agency to choose the most effective and cost efficient method for ensuring programs provide appropriate notice. Employment Security would like to be able to do the same thing.