SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5584

BYSenators Tanner, Lee and Anderson; by request of Department of Labor and Industries

Changing penalties for misrepresentations in reports or claims to the department of labor and industries.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 19, 1987; February 20, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5584 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Cantu, Lee, Sellar, Vognild, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Jack Brummel (786-7428)

                  February 23, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, FEBRUARY 20, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The pursuit of fraud cases by local prosecutors is occasionally inhibited by unfamiliarity with the civil fraud provisions of the RCW.  By making false filings with the Department of Labor and Industries a crime, local prosecutors will more vigorously pursue such cases.

SUMMARY:

Employers misrepresenting payroll amounts and employees filing false claims are guilty of a felony or gross misdemeanor under the state criminal code.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Misrepresentations made must be made knowingly before an employer is subject to the state criminal code.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Brent Buckley, Department of Labor and Industries