SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2613
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 Passed Senate, March 4, 2020
Title: An act relating to granting relief of unemployment benefit charges when discharge is required by law and removing outdated statutory language.
Brief Description: Granting relief of unemployment benefit charges when discharge is required by law and removing outdated statutory language.
Sponsors: House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards (originally sponsored by Representatives Sells and Mosbrucker; by request of Employment Security Department).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/16/20, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Labor & Commerce: 2/24/20 [DP, w/oRec].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 3/04/20, 46-0.
Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Braun, Saldaña, Stanford, Walsh and Wellman.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Schoesler.
Staff: Susan Jones (786-7404)
Background: The unemployment compensation system provides partial wage replacement benefits for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Eligible unemployed workers receive benefits based on their earnings in their base year. The Employment Security Department (ESD) administers this system.
Most covered employers pay contributions through payroll taxes to finance benefits. The tax rate for these employers is experience rated so that the rate is determined, in part, by the benefits paid to its employees. Benefits are charged to base year employers on a pro rata basis according to the amount of wages paid to the claimant by the employer in the claimant's base year compared to the wages paid by all employers. Some benefits, however, are "noncharged" and are pooled within the unemployment system or "socialized."
Noncharged benefits include, for example, benefits paid to an individual later found to be ineligible. Other benefits may be noncharged if the employer requests relief from charging, for example, benefits paid to an individual that left voluntarily or was discharged for misconduct.
The Employment Security Advisory Council (ESAC) is tasked with assisting the Commissioner of the Department in creating policies and discussing problems in the administration of unemployment insurance. The ESAC consists in equal parts of representatives of employers, employees, and the general public.
Summary of First Substitute Bill: An additional basis allowing an employer to request relief from benefit charges is established. An employer is eligible for relief from charges attributable to a claimant who was discharged because they were unable to satisfy a job prerequisite required by law or rule.
The Commissioner of ESD must annually report to the ESAC, beginning in 2021 and ending in 2030, the amount of noncharged benefits due to the new basis for relief from charges.
Outdated statutory provisions are removed, and conforming changes are made.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a great bill. It is a tax issue. This will particularly help small businesses.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Nick Streuli, Employment Security Department, Legislative Director.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.