Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workplace Standards Committee |
HB 2578
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: Addressing job search requirements for unemployment compensation claimants.
Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Manweller, Gregerson, McCabe, G. Hunt, Tharinger, Rossetti and Zeiger.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/21/16
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
The unemployment compensation system provides partial wage replacement benefits for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. An individual is eligible to receive unemployment benefits if he or she: (1) worked at least 680 hours in covered employment in his or her base year; (2) was separated from employment through no fault of his or her own or quit work for good cause; and (3) is able to work and is actively searching for suitable work.
For each week in which an individual files a claim for benefits, the individual must make at least three contacts with employers or participate in three in-person job search activities at the local WorkSource Office, or do any combination of three employer contacts or in-person job search activities. WorkSource activities include workshops and training classes. After an individual has received five weeks of benefits, the individual must be able to provide evidence of job search activity.
Summary of Bill:
Job-search requirements are modified to allow approved in-person activities with a career counselor at an accredited institution of higher education. In addition, the Employment Security Department may define other methods of job search activity by rule. At least three instances per week of any combination of employer contacts, WorkSource activities, higher education career counselor activities, or other activities permitted by rule satisfy the job-search requirement.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 3, 2016.