Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Government Operations & Elections Committee

HB 1393

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.

Brief Description: Providing information to assist in unemployment insurance overpayment recovery.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Chandler, Takko, Kristiansen, Blake, Warnick, Sells, Van De Wege and Wylie; by request of Employment Security Department.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to disclose personally identifying information of persons who acquire recreational or commercial hunting, fishing, or wildlife viewing licenses to the Employment Security Department.

Hearing Date: 2/7/13

Staff: Caitlin Forsyth (786-5793) and Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

The Employment Security Department (ESD) administers unemployment compensation in Washington State. Overpayment of unemployment compensation sometimes occurs when a claimant is paid compensation that is later denied for the same time period in which the payment was made. If an individual receives more unemployment compensation than he or she is entitled to, ESD attempts to contact the individual and collect the overpayment. Currently, in its attempt to contact individuals that owe overpayment, ESD compares its list of owing individuals with nine other state and national databases including the Washington State Department of Corrections, the Washington State Department of Health, the United States Department of Labor's National Directory of New Hires, and the United States Postal Service.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) issues commercial and recreational licenses to individuals wishing to hunt, fish, or view wildlife in their natural habitat. The Department requires that a license applicant provide current contact information and a valid social security or driver's license number.

The Public Records Act (Act) requires that most records maintained by state, county, and city governments, and all special purpose districts be made available to members of the public. Unless an exemption applies, agencies must make all public records available for public inspection and copying. Under the Act, the Department is required to disclose a commercial or recreational licensee's name, address, and type of license. Under an exemption, however, the licensee's social security or driver's license number is not included in this disclosure.

Summary of Bill:

The Department must disclose personally identifying information, including social security number, of persons who acquire recreational or commercial licenses from the Department, to the ESD.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.