FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5476

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.

C 141 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Clarifying the employment status of independent contractors in the news business.

Sponsors: Senators Hewitt, Keiser, Conway and Holmquist Newbry.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

House Committee on Labor & Workforce Development

Background: Newspaper or delivery persons selling or distributing newspapers on the street or from house to house are specifically excluded from mandatory coverage for both unemployment insurance and industrial insurance purposes.

Newspaper vendors and carriers are specifically excluded from the standards established under the Minimum Wage Act that address minimum wage, overtime compensation, and recordkeeping.

Summary: The exclusions from unemployment insurance, industrial insurance, and the Minimum Wage Act for certain newspaper services are modified and made consistent. Newspaper vendors, carriers, or delivery persons selling or distributing newspapers on the street, to offices, to businesses, or from house to house are excluded. Also excluded from coverage is any freelance news correspondent or stringer who, using their own equipment, submits material for free or for a fee when the material is published.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

48

0

House

97

0

Effective:

July 28, 2013.