SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1452

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives O'Brien, Patrick, R. King, Sayan, Leonard, Cole, Heavey and Vekich)

Providing for notice of temporary total disability to the employment security department.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 23, 1989

Senate Staff:David Cheal (786-7576)

AS OF MARCH 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

An injured worker who has received temporary total disability payments under industrial insurance for 13 weeks or more can apply for a special base year computation when the worker files for unemployment compensation benefits in the future.  The special base year allows the worker to use the hours worked prior to his or her injury in determining eligibility for unemployment compensation.  To be eligible for the special computation, the Employment Security Department must be notified in writing within 26 weeks after the week in which the worker's disability began.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor and Industries must give notice to the Employment Security Department when an injured worker has received temporary total disability payments for 13 consecutive weeks.  The notice must comply with the requirements of the unemployment compensation temporary total disability program.  The Department of Labor and Industries may adopt rules establishing reporting requirements for self-insured employers to carry out the purposes of the notice provisions.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available