FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1311

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.

Background:

Most employment is covered for purposes of unemployment insurance. With respect to maritime employment, an individual's service as an officer or crew member of an American vessel is covered, wherever the service is performed, if the employer maintains in Washington at the beginning of the pay period an operating office from which the vessel's operations are ordinarily and regularly supervised, managed, directed, and controlled.

Summary:

Certain maritime employment is excluded from mandatory unemployment insurance coverage. Employment does not include services performed by an individual on a boat engaged in catching fish or other forms of aquatic animal life for which the individual receives a share of the boat's catch (or the catch of multiple boats if the fishing operation involves more than one boat), or a share of the proceeds from the sale of the catch, and the amount of the individual's share depends on the amount of the boat's or boats' catch. The exclusion applies only if the operating crew of the boat, or each boat from which the individual receives a share, is normally made up of fewer than 10 individuals. In addition, the individuals must not receive any other cash remuneration.

An employer may elect coverage for the excluded individuals.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	96	0
Senate	45	3